The global video laryngoscope market is witnessing significant growth, driven by several key factors. A major contributor is the rising use of these devices in operating rooms and intensive care units, where they provide better visualization of the glottis and improve first-pass intubation success rates, thereby enhancing patient safety. The growing volume of surgical interventions and emergency trauma cases, particularly in advanced healthcare systems, is also fueling market expansion.
Moreover, video laryngoscopes are increasingly being adopted in anesthetic practices, with strong backing from clinical guidelines issued by organizations such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists, particularly for managing difficult airways. The market is further supported by a shift toward single-use, disposable blades, which help minimize the risk of cross-contamination in clinical environments—a concern heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, these factors are driving widespread adoption of video laryngoscopes across hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and emergency medical services, solidifying their role in contemporary airway management.
The global market is witnessing robust growth, primarily fueled by the the surging incidence of respiratory and airway-related conditions. Diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and notably Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) frequently lead to respiratory complications requiring intubation and ventilatory support. Video laryngoscopes play a vital role in these scenarios by providing enhanced airway visualization, which improves intubation success rates and ensures greater patient safety.
This anticipated increase is expected to drive substantial demand for advanced airway management devices, particularly video laryngoscopes, in emergency departments and intensive care units.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging technologies is revolutionizing video laryngoscopes, significantly improving airway management. AI-powered systems offer enhanced visualization, precise real-time guidance, and improved intubation success rates, thereby minimizing complications and enhancing patient outcomes in critical care environments. These innovations also support remote learning and simulation-based training for medical professionals.
As healthcare facilities increasingly prioritize AI-integrated technologies to enhance clinical performance and patient safety, this trend is creating significant growth opportunities for video laryngoscope manufacturers worldwide.
In North America, the video laryngoscope market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high surgical volumes, and a strong focus on patient safety. The U.S. accounts for the largest share, supported by the surging adoption of technologically advanced airway management tools in operating rooms and emergency departments. For example, the widespread use of GlideScope and McGRATH video laryngoscopes in major U.S. hospitals has improved success rates in difficult intubations.
Moreover, the 2023 recommendations by the American Society of Anesthesiologists emphasizing video laryngoscopy in anticipated airway challenges have accelerated clinical adoption. Canada is also seeing increased uptake due to its focus on reducing healthcare-associated infections, leading to a preference for disposable blades. Growing simulation-based medical training programs across both countries are further propelling demand, as these devices offer enhanced training for residents and paramedics.
Medtronic plc, Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, Verathon Inc., Ambu A/S, Smiths Medical, Olympus Corporation, Vyaire Medical, Teleflex Incorporated, Prodol Meditec S.A., and others.
In April 2025, KARL STORZ launched the Slimline C‑MAC S single‑use video laryngoscope, featuring a 28% slimmer blade design for enhanced maneuverability and visibility. It pairs a reusable imager with disposable, eco‑friendly blades and peel‑pouch packaging, reducing material use while maintaining durability rated to withstand 4–6× typical intubation force.