Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The global Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market witnessed a valuation of USD 419.90 million and is anticipated to achieve USD 743.28 million by the culmination of 2030. During the forecast period spanning from 2024 to 2030, the market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 8.5%.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market:

The Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging sector has experienced notable repercussions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has heightened the necessity for Point-of-Care ultrasound imaging as an expedient and non-invasive diagnostic method for detecting lung complications among COVID-19 patients, owing to the escalation in respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, Point-of-Care ultrasound imaging has emerged as an indispensable tool for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring in light of the imperative for social distancing and reduction of unnecessary hospital visits. There has been a shortage of ultrasound materials and equipment due to the pandemic disrupting production and supply chains. Additionally, pandemic-induced economic effects such as budget reductions and diminished healthcare expenditures might impede the adoption of new ultrasound technologies in certain regions.

Market Overview:

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging employs high-frequency sound waves to instantly visualize the lungs' anatomy and functionality through a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging approach. The capability of this imaging modality to provide rapid and accurate diagnoses at the patient's bedside, particularly in emergency scenarios, has contributed to its recent surge in popularity. In the forthcoming years, the demand for portable and user-friendly imaging apparatus, the prevalence of respiratory disorders, and technological advancements are anticipated to propel the expansion of the global Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Drivers:

Increased Adoption of Portable and User-Friendly Imaging Devices:

The burgeoning requirement for portable and user-friendly imaging equipment stands as a significant market driver for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging. This is particularly crucial in emergency situations, where the patient's outcome hinges on prompt and accurate diagnosis. Portable ultrasound machines are gaining traction as they are portable, provide immediate bedside results, are cost-effective compared to conventional imaging modalities, require minimal training, and are user-friendly. The portability of these devices also renders them ideal for use in remote or resource-limited areas where access to medical facilities and traditional imaging technologies is restricted. This facilitates early identification and treatment of respiratory disorders, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare expenses.

Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases:

The escalating incidence of respiratory ailments such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and lung cancer is a pivotal market driver for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that respiratory diseases accounted for 7.7% of global fatalities in 2019. By offering rapid and precise diagnoses enabling informed decisions regarding patient treatment, Point-of-Care ultrasound imaging has been proven to enhance patient outcomes and curtail healthcare costs. The use of Point-of-Care ultrasonography in diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders reduces the necessity for invasive procedures and imaging modalities, thus diminishing the risk of complications and lowering healthcare expenditures.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Challenges:

Constrained Reimbursement Policies:

A prominent challenge confronting the Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market is the limited reimbursement policies associated with this imaging modality. Reimbursement policies vary across regions and are often restricted to specific indications and settings, making it arduous for healthcare providers to offer Point-of-Care ultrasound services. This poses a particular challenge for smaller healthcare entities that may lack the financial means to invest in this technology without adequate reimbursement. The inconsistency in reimbursement policies for Point-of-Care ultrasound also creates uncertainty for manufacturers, hampering investments in research and development for new products and technologies.

Lack of Standardization:

The absence of uniformity in ultrasound operator training and certification poses another significant challenge for the Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging industry. This may lead to inconsistent image quality and interpretations, resulting in missed diagnoses and unfavorable patient outcomes. While organizations offer training and certification for ultrasound operators, there is no consensus on the minimum training and certification requirements for various clinical purposes. Consequently, healthcare providers may find it challenging to ensure that their staff members are competent and adequately trained to perform Point-of-Care ultrasonography, potentially resulting in varied practices and outcomes. The lack of standardization also complicates manufacturers' efforts to develop and produce products meeting the needs of healthcare providers and operators, leading to disparities in product specifications and performance.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Segmentation – By Technology

Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems

• 2D
• 3D & 4D
• Doppler Imaging

Therapeutic Ultrasound Systems

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Imaging
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

The largest share in 2022 within the technology segments was held by the diagnostic ultrasound systems. It is projected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. This dominance is attributed to the system's capability to offer significant insights into soft tissues without subjecting patients to ionizing radiation.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Segmentation – By Product

• Portable Ultrasound Devices
• Handheld Ultrasound Devices

The sector commanding the market in revenue terms is the portable ultrasound equipment, due to its widespread use in hospitals and critical care environments requiring high-quality imaging and advanced features. Additionally, larger clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and operating rooms stand to benefit from the use of portable equipment. On the other hand, the growth rate for this market is expected to be moderate, especially when compared to the handheld devices category. Demand for handheld ultrasound devices is anticipated to rise swiftly due to factors such as the increasing prevalence of COVID-19, growing demand for point-of-care imaging with portable and handheld devices, and advancements in handheld ultrasound technology making them more accessible and cost-effective. Handheld devices find excellent utility in smaller clinical setups, rural areas with limited resources, telemedicine applications, and remote patient monitoring. Moreover, their affordability makes them an attractive choice for healthcare practitioners seeking to optimize resources while ensuring top-tier treatment.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Segmentation – By End-User

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

The largest consumers of point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging devices are hospitals, holding the majority of the market share. This is largely due to the prevalence of respiratory ailments, critical care scenarios, and emergencies where precise and timely diagnoses are crucial. Furthermore, hospitals typically allocate budgets for capital equipment and are inclined towards investing in high-end, feature-rich devices like portable ultrasound machines. Following hospitals, clinics represent the second-largest consumer segment for point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging devices. This category includes outpatient clinics, community health centers, and primary care facilities. The demand for point-of-care imaging in clinics is on the rise as healthcare systems aim to enhance care delivery efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. Handheld ultrasound devices are particularly suitable for clinic use due to their portability, affordability, and ease of use. Ambulatory surgical centers are also emerging as significant consumers of point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging devices. These centers conduct various surgical procedures, many of which necessitate precise imaging to guide surgical teams effectively.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market Segmentation – By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

North America leads the global market for point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging equipment, primarily due to factors such as a high prevalence of respiratory disorders, a developed healthcare system, and favorable reimbursement environments. Europe follows as the second-largest market for point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging equipment, owing to reasons such as an aging population, increased healthcare expenditure, and well-established healthcare infrastructure. The Asia Pacific region boasts the fastest-growing market for point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging equipment, attributed to factors like a large patient population, rising healthcare expenditure, and growing public awareness of the benefits of point-of-care imaging. The Middle East and Africa region also present a growing market for point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging devices, driven by factors such as increasing healthcare spending, a burgeoning patient population, and rising awareness of the advantages of point-of-care imaging.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Imaging Market - Key Players

The top key players in the point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging market include:

1. General Electric Company
2. Koninklijke Philips N.V.
3. Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
4. Canon Inc.
5. Siemens Healthineers AG
6. Samsung Medison Co. Ltd.
7. Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd.
8. Clarius Mobile Health
9. Butterfly Network Inc.
10. Terason Corporation