Market Analysis and Insights

From 2021 to 2030, the global portable ultrasound devices market was worth USD 1,866.6 and is anticipated to advance at a 7.03% CAGR, reaching US$ 3,488.05 billion by the end of 2030.

The growing older population, the prevalence of chronic illnesses, technological advancements, and the rising need for point-of-care diagnostics are the primary drivers driving the global portable ultrasound devices market. Portable ultrasound equipment has grown in popularity due to its capacity to correctly and rapidly identify such disorders. In recent years, the rising need for better healthcare services and technological advancements have raised the demand for portable ultrasound equipment. The use of portable ultrasound equipment is critical in medical imaging methods used to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses. As a result of the rising trend of employing portable ultrasound equipment, the market is predicted to increase throughout the forecast period.

Portable Ultrasound Devices Market Scope:

Market Definition

Portable ultrasound devices are compact, handheld, or laptop-sized medical instruments designed for non-invasive imaging of the human body. They create real-time pictures of inside structures such as organs, blood vessels, and tissues using high-frequency sound waves. These devices are small and lightweight materials, making them highly mobile and convenient for use in a variety of medical settings, including clinics, ambulances, remote locations, and even at patients' bedsides. 

Portable ultrasound devices offer advantages such as quick and accurate diagnostics, monitoring of pregnancies, guidance for medical procedures, and assessment of various medical conditions. They typically feature user-friendly interfaces, offer a wide range of imaging modes, and can transmit images to external devices for further analysis or consultation with specialists. Their portability and versatility make them valuable tools for healthcare providers, especially in situations where mobility and rapid access to diagnostic information are essential.

The global portable ultrasound devices market refers to the dynamic and rapidly evolving industry that encompasses the design, manufacture, distribution, and utilization of compact and mobile ultrasound systems. These gadgets use high-frequency sound waves to provide real-time pictures of the human body's interior architecture, assisting medical personnel in diagnosis and patient care. This market segment is characterized by innovations in technology, increased accessibility, and growing demand for point-of-care diagnostic solutions, serving various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and remote or resource-constrained regions worldwide. Key drivers include advancements in miniaturization, ease of use, improved image quality, and expanding applications in diverse medical specialties, all contributing to its continuous growth and global relevance.

Key Market Segmentation

Insights on Type 

The Trolley/Cart-based Segment Emerged as the most Lucrative

Trolley- or cart-based ultrasound devices are the most versatile type of portable ultrasound device, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. They are usually utilised in medical facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and other places where a clear image is necessary. Mobile imaging units, which offer ultrasound services to distant and underserved locations, also employ trolley- or cart-based ultrasound equipment.

Compact or handheld ultrasound devices are more portable and user-friendly than trolley- or cart-based ultrasound systems since they are lighter and smaller. They are often used in emergency rooms, critical care diagnostics, and other settings where rapid and convenient imaging is required. Compact and handheld ultrasound devices are also becoming increasingly popular in primary care and other outpatient settings.

POC ultrasound devices are the most compact and portable type of ultrasound device. They are typically used by clinicians to perform quick and easy ultrasound examinations at the bedside. POC ultrasound equipment is frequently used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of illnesses, such as heart disease, lung disease, and stomach disorders.

During the forecast period, the compact/handheld and POC ultrasound device segments are predicted to grow the quickest. This is due to the increasing demand for these devices in a variety of healthcare settings, including emergency rooms, critical care units, primary care offices, and mobile imaging units.

Insight on Application

The Radiology/General Imaging Segment is Estimated to Hold the Highest Share This is due to the widespread use of ultrasound for general imaging and the diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions. Portable ultrasound devices are particularly useful in radiology and general imaging as they can be used to quickly and easily image patients at the point of care without the need to transport them to a dedicated imaging department.

Over the course of the forecast period, the gynaecology application segment is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate in the global market for portable ultrasound equipment. Portable ultrasound devices are widely used in gynecology to monitor the health of the female reproductive system and to diagnose and manage a variety of gynecological conditions, such as pregnancy, fibroids, and ovarian cysts. For example, portable ultrasound devices can be used to perform bedside ultrasounds on pregnant women to monitor fetal development or to perform ultrasounds in rural or underserved areas.

Other application categories, including cardiology, urology, vascular, and orthopedics, are predicted to increase rapidly throughout the projection period. This is due to the increasing use of ultrasound in these specialties for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Cardiologists utilize portable ultrasound technology to look at the anatomy and physiology of the heart. They're also utilized to guide minimally invasive cardiac procedures like PCI. Portable ultrasound equipment is also utilized in urology to identify and treat illnesses such as kidney stones, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. They support the detection and treatment of many vascular conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Similarly, they are used in orthopedics to diagnose and manage a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as muscle strains, ligament tears, and fractures.

Insights on End-User

The Hospitals and Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Centres Segment is Predicted to have the Greatest Market Share This is due to the high volume of ultrasound-based medical procedures performed in hospitals and surgical centers, as well as the increasing adoption of minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures in these facilities. Additionally, hospitals and surgical and diagnostic imaging centers are investing in portable ultrasound devices to improve patient care and efficiency.

Ambulatory care facilities are predicted to expand at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to rising demand for point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in these settings. POCUS is a type of ultrasound that is performed at the patient's bedside, allowing clinicians to quickly and easily assess a patient's condition and make informed decisions about their care.

The maternity centers segment is also expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing use of ultrasound in prenatal and postpartum care. Ultrasound is a non-intrusive and safe screening method that may be used to track the growth of the fetus and detect any anomalies.

During the projected period, the homecare segment is predicted to develop at a modest CAGR, driven by increased preference for home healthcare services and an escalating exposure to chronic conditions.

Insights on Region

The North America Region Accounted for the Highest Share North America is the largest market for portable ultrasound devices, accounting for over one-third of the global market share in 2023. This is because the region has a well-established healthcare system, a high prevalence of chronic illnesses, and an ageing population.

Europe is the second-largest global marketplace for portable ultrasound devices, ahead of Asia-Pacific. The growing requirement for portable ultrasound equipment in point-of-care settings and emergency medical services is driving the European market's expansion. 

Because of the ageing population, growing frequency of chronic illnesses, and rising government investment in the healthcare sector, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at the quickest rate over the projected period.

The LAMEA market is still in its infancy, but it is predicted to expand at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period, owing to rising demand for portable ultrasound equipment in emerging nations.

Key Company Profiles

Because of the brand’s high brand awareness, extensive distribution networks, and new product portfolios, these leading players account for a considerable part of the global portable ultrasound devices market. The global portable ultrasound devices market's key players segment is likely to stay consolidated throughout the forecast period, as these firms have a strong financial position and technological knowledge. However, new companies are emerging in the market, notably in the Asia-Pacific region. These new entrants are providing novel and cheap portable ultrasound equipment, creating a competitive environment for existing businesses.

Some of the major players in the global portable ultrasound devices market include GE Healthcare, Fujifilm Holdings Corp., Siemens AG, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Philips Healthcare, Analogic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Esaote SPA, and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd.

COVID-19 Impact and Market Status

The market response to COVID-19 widespread has been varied. On the one hand, because of their mobility and versatility, portable ultrasound equipment has seen rising demand. Portable ultrasound machines are suitable for diagnosing and monitoring COVID-19 patients in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and distant sites.

The pandemic, on the other hand, has generated supply chain interruptions and manufacturing issues, affecting the manufacture and distribution of portable ultrasound equipment. Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in a decrease in hospital visits and diagnostic procedures, which has harmed demand for portable ultrasound devices in some places.

As a whole, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have a favourable long-term influence on the worldwide portable ultrasound equipment industry. The epidemic has underlined the necessity for portable ultrasound equipment to provide flexible and accessible medical imaging options.

Latest Trends

1. The rise of handheld ultrasound: Handheld ultrasound devices are becoming increasingly popular, as they are very compact and portable and can be used in a variety of settings, including point-of-care, emergency medicine, and critical care.

2. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ultrasound imaging: AI is being used to develop new features for ultrasound devices, such as automated image analysis and real-time guidance. This is making ultrasound imaging more accessible and easier to use for clinicians.

3. The growing popularity of tele-ultrasound: Tele-ultrasound is a remote ultrasound imaging service that allows patients to be scanned by a qualified ultrasound technologist, even if they are not in the same location as the radiologist. This makes ultrasound imaging more convenient and accessible for patients in rural and underserved areas.

Recent Developments in the Global Portable Ultrasound Devices Market: A Snapshot

? In January 2023, GE Healthcare announced the launch of its new Vscan Air wireless ultrasound scanner. The Vscan Air is a lightweight, handheld device that can be used to image a variety of organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, abdomen, and pelvis. It is the first wireless ultrasound scanner to receive FDA clearance for use in the United States.

? In November 2022, Philips Healthcare released its new Lumify GO ultrasound system. The Lumify GO is a compact, portable device that can be used to perform a variety of ultrasound scans, including abdominal, cardiac, and vascular scans. It is also the first portable ultrasound system to be equipped with AI-powered image guidance tools.

? In March 2022, Samsung received FDA clearance for its new HD10 portable ultrasound system. The HD10 is a lightweight, handheld device that offers high-quality image resolution and a variety of advanced features, such as real-time 3D imaging and AI-powered image processing.

Significant Growth Factors

Increasing demand for portable ultrasound imaging: Portable ultrasound devices are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and point-of-care facilities. This is due to their portability, affordability, and ease of use. Portable ultrasound devices can be used to perform a wide range of imaging procedures, including abdominal ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, and musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Rising technical improvements: technical breakthroughs are leading to the creation of portable ultrasound equipment that is smaller, lighter, and more inexpensive. These devices also offer improved image quality and resolution.

Chronic illness prevalence is increasing. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes is driving demand for portable ultrasound equipment. Certain gadgets can track the course of certain diseases and help guide therapy decisions.

Expanding application areas: Portable ultrasound devices are being used in a widening range of applications, including critical care, emergency medicine, long-term care, and ambulatory surgery. This is due to the increasing recognition of the benefits of ultrasound imaging in these settings.

Increasing government and private investments in healthcare: Governments and private investors are increasing their investments in healthcare, which is leading to the adoption of advanced medical technologies, such as portable ultrasound devices.

Growing patient and healthcare professional knowledge of the advantages of portable ultrasonography: The non-invasiveness, mobility, and affordability of portable ultrasound are among its many advantages. The need for portable ultrasound equipment is being driven by this.

Restraining Factors 

Limited reimbursement: In some countries, reimbursement for portable ultrasound procedures is limited or not available at all. This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to justify the cost of purchasing and using these devices.

High cost: Portable ultrasound devices are typically more expensive than traditional cart-based ultrasound systems. This can be a barrier to market entry for new players and can make it difficult for healthcare providers in developing countries to afford these devices.

Portable ultrasound machines are complicated pieces of technology that require specific training to operate. This can be difficult for medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ultrasound imaging.

Regulatory obstacles: The regulatory landscape for portable ultrasound equipment differs by nation. To promote their products in multiple nations, manufacturers must follow all necessary legislation. This can be a time-consuming and costly procedure.

Limited functionality: Portable ultrasound devices typically have fewer features and functionality than traditional cart-based ultrasound systems. As a result, they may be less suited for some applications, such as sophisticated diagnostic procedures.

Concerns about data security and privacy: Portable ultrasound equipment gathers and retains sensitive patient data. This poses privacy and data security issues. To secure patient data from unauthorized access or breaches, manufacturers must install strong security measures.

The global market for portable ultrasound devices is anticipated to expand in the upcoming years at a healthy rate in spite of these restraints. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the growing need for point-of-care diagnostics are expected to fuel the growth of this market. Additionally, manufacturers are developing new and innovative portable ultrasound devices with improved features and functionality. These advancements are expected to make portable ultrasound devices more attractive to healthcare providers and patients alike.

Key Segments of the Global Portable Ultrasound Devices Market

Portability Overview
• Trolley/Cart-Based
• Compact/Handheld
• Point-of-Care

Application Overview
• Radiology/General Imaging
• Gynaecology
• Cardiology
• Urology
• Vascular
• Orthopaedics

End-User Overview
• Hospitals and Surgical & Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Maternity Centers
• Ambulatory Care Centers
• Home Care

Regional Overview

North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
Europe 
• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Australia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Rest of MEA
Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Rest of Latin America