Cardiovascular Ultrasound Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report  By Type (Transthoracic Echocardiography, Transesophageal Echocardiography, Fetal Echocardiography, Others),  By Technology (2D, 3D/4D, Doppler),  By Display (B/W, Color),  By End-use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Ambulatory Care Centers, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2022-2030

Market Overview

The global cardiovascular ultrasound (CVUS) market size was valued at USD 1,475 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 2690 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period (2022 – 2030).

CVUS devices are utilized to examine vessel/lumen diameter and lesion length. It helps to determine the amount of plaque in a vessel and its composition. It is also used to ensure that stents have been properly placed and fully deployed. The rising demand for effective diagnostic cardiovascular imaging techniques due to the rise in the incidence of chronic diseases such as heart stroke, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction is a high-impact rendering factor resulting in greater intravascular ultrasound adoption (CVUS) devices.

Market Dynamics

Global Cardiovascular Ultrasound (CVUS) Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke are among the significant causes of death in the U.S. Changing lifestyle has increased predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. For instance, according to CDC, in 2017, 28.2 million adults were diagnosed with heart disease in the U.S. Ultrasound technology is used to check abnormalities in the functioning of the heart, such as the heart's pumping capacity and the functioning of valves and plaque in the heart. These devices act as critical diagnostic equipment that can help decrease the incidence of heart attack and stroke by providing an early diagnosis. Therefore, the growing prevalence of heart problems globally is anticipated to drive the cardiovascular ultrasound market.

High Adoption of Preventive Healthcare

Growing health consciousness is expected to drive the need for preventive measures. As a result, the adoption of preventive screening and diagnostic tests is increasing. This factor is expected to limit the incidence of diseases. In addition, healthcare costs are expected to decrease due to early diagnosis and improved prognosis. Thus, the growing adoption of preventive medicine is expected to boost market demand, aiding the market growth.

Global Cardiovascular Ultrasound (CVUS) Market Restraint

Slower Approval

Stringent regulatory policies concerning the commercialization of ultrasound devices limit market growth. Regulatory policies and approval procedures for ultrasound devices vary across regions and countries. This leads to delays in product launches in different geographic locations. Hence, market penetration of new products is impacted. For instance, the Indian government ensures the quality of ultrasound devices before they are marketed. Governments also focus on effectively tracking these devices, thereby controlling device-related problems. Therefore, a growing number of stringent regulations may hinder the overall market growth.

Global Cardiovascular Ultrasound (CVUS) Market Opportunities

Diagnosis of Complex CTO Lesions

Chronic complete occlusion (CTO) revascularization still poses procedural difficulties today. Compared to blunt, ambiguous, or stump-less CTO lesions, tapering stump CTO has been observed to have a considerably higher success rate. Given that intravascular ultrasound (CVUS) imaging can distinguish a genuine lumen from subintimal space by detecting the presence of side branches, intima, and media, these findings present value-grab potential for med-tech businesses in the CVUS device market.

Since the method helps to validate guidewire re-entry to the correct lumen from the subintimal area, companies in the intravascular ultrasound (CVUS) devices market gain from the need for devices in imaging for CTO lesions. CVS-guided wiring technique is considered an option in the antegrade approach when standard wiring procedures fail.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global cardiovascular ultrasound (CVUS) market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa. 

North America held the highest share of the cardiovascular ultrasound market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. It is expected to exhibit significant growth over the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and rising demand for advanced echocardiography in preventive healthcare facilities. According to CDC, around 735,000 Americans have a heart attack every year, out of which 525,000 people experience it for the first time, and the rest 210,000 occur in people who have already had an attack. This highlights the scope for growth of CVUS equipment. The highest usage of echocardiography in hospitals is observed along the east coast of the U.S. When evaluated on a state-by-state basis, New York, Rhode Island, and Montana were significant users of inpatient echo technology. In contrast, Wyoming, Alaska, and New Mexico had the lowest rate. The growing adoption of echocardiography in the country creates a growth opportunity for market players to expand their product portfolios by launching CVUS devices. For instance, in August 2020, Philips launched EPIQ CVx cardiovascular ultrasound system. This CVUS is built on the EPIQ ultrasound platform, which helps increase diagnostic confidence and simplifies clinicians' workflow. It also helps provide accurate information without frequent monitoring, reducing the need for repeat scans. Moreover, in September 2020, the company also launched the Affiniti CVx cardiovascular ultrasound system to enhance patient care by delivering effective systems. Furthermore, the U.S. has a more robust economy and spent almost 17% of its GDP on public healthcare in 2017. Moreover, favorable reimbursement policies for heart screening tests are expected to aid in the market growth

Europe is the second largest region. It is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 690 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period. According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2017 report, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in European countries, resulting in 49% of total deaths in women and 40% in men. Furthermore, several professional organizations are supporting the growth of the echocardiography market, e.g., the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE)—the registered branch of ESC that offers research grants to help young doctors in research and professional practices in the field of cardiovascular imaging. The medical imaging industry in the U.K. has a favorable environment for R&D, owing to government efforts and private entities' investments. According to British Heart Foundation, more than 25% of deaths in the U.K. occur due to cardiovascular disorders. The growing prevalence of these diseases and increasing demand for effective management create growth opportunities for CVUS equipment manufacturers in the country. In December 2017, Hitachi Medical Systems Europe introduced 2D/4D CVUS, LISENDO 880. The system features HDAnalytics, which helps in providing accurate data.

The Asia Pacific is the third largest Asia Pacific and is expected to grow at the fastest rate of over the forecast period owing to effective government initiatives for improving healthcare infrastructure in the region. Moreover, economic development in India and China is expected to boost the market growth. A large population with low per capita income in Asia Pacific countries has led to high demand for affordable treatment options. Multinational companies are keen to invest in developing economies, such as Japan, India, and China. Thus, many market players enter into collaborative partnerships and strategic alliances with local players. This is anticipated to boost the cardiovascular ultrasound (CVUS) industry during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global cardiovascular ultrasound (CVUS) market is segmented by type, technology, display, end-use, and region. 

By type, the global CVUS market is segmented into transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, and others. The transthoracic echocardiography segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Transthoracic echocardiograms use ultrasound waves that penetrate skin and tissues to generate an image of the heart. These tissues block the penetration of ultrasound waves, impacting the visualization of the heart's structure. As a result, some cardiac conditions are not captured by these devices. For instance, transthoracic echocardiography does not capture the left atrial appendage, resulting in clot formation during atrial fibrillation. Similarly, perfusion of the myocardium is also not captured by these devices. Therefore, the inability of the device to capture all heart conditions is expected to gradually lower the adoption of these devices during the forecast period.

Transesophageal echocardiography is the second largest. The adoption of transesophageal echocardiography is gradually increasing due to the various advantages of these devices. They help provide a better visual of heart structures and also help capture images of procedures without any hindrance from the camera. Moreover, developing advanced transesophageal echocardiography products, such as Live 3D Transesophageal Echo (TEE) by Koninklijke Philips, helps cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and others capture real-time function & images of cardiac structures. Hence, developments in transesophageal echocardiograms are expected to boost this segment's growth.

By technology, the global CVUS market is segmented into 2D, 3D/4D, and doppler. The doppler segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. The Doppler segment Doppler echocardiography helps measure blood flow within the heart without invasive methods. It helps provide accurate cardiac images within a short duration. In addition, workshops conducted for Doppler echocardiography are expected to boost its adoption. For instance, in March 2019, Radcliffe Cardiology conducted a workshop on 2D and Doppler echocardiography in Vail. It covered topics such as using the Doppler method for hemodynamics & cardiac function and its application in hemodynamics, including valvular heart disease. Therefore, advancements in Doppler technology to enhance cardiac imaging are expected to boost overall segment growth.

3D/4D technology segment is the second largest. 3D/4D technology helps identify an actual site or valve with cardiac infection. This helps determine the proper treatment for cardiac issues. In addition, the results of cardiovascular treatments can be captured using this technology. Many players adopt this technology due to its advantages and are also developing products based on it. For instance, in March 2018, Canon Medical Systems launched a new version of the Aplio i900. Aplio i900 is a next-generation product from the Aplio i-series ultrasound platform, which was launched with a 4D imaging feature. This feature enhances cardiovascular imaging to fulfill various advanced imaging needs, including adult & pediatric monitoring and fetal, stress, & transesophageal echocardiography. Therefore, an increase in the number of product launches with 3D/4D technology is expected to propel the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

By display, the global CVUS market is segmented into B/W and color. The color segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. Color cardiac ultrasound systems are expected to show high growth during the forecast period. Images captured using colored cardiac ultrasound systems are well-defined, enabling accurate diagnosis. Due to their high accuracy, many global suppliers, such as Canon Medical Systems, G.E. Healthcare, & Koninklijke Philips, are developing colored cardiac ultrasound systems. Some of the systems provided by these companies are Vivid E95, Vivid E90, and EPIQ CVx. Therefore, increasing the development of colored ultrasound systems is expected to boost the overall market growth.

By end-use, the global cardiovascular ultrasound (CVUS) market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers, ambulatory care centers, and others. The hospital segment held the highest share in the cardiovascular ultrasound market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The growing adoption of cardiovascular ultrasound systems by hospitals is expected to drive the growth of this segment over the forecast period. For instance, in June 2011, Heart Hospital of Austin installed Philips' iE33 xMATRIX ultrasound system with live 3D transesophageal echocardiography. In July 2015, 4D Csound cardiac ultrasound technology by G.E. healthcare was accepted by Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Incorporating newer technologies in devices, such as Vivid S70, Vivid E90, and Vivid E95 ultrasound systems, is also expected to increase their adoption in hospitals, boosting segment growth.

The diagnostic center's segment is the second largest. Large hospitals establish their medical imaging facilities. However, these facilities require investment, space, skilled professionals, and high maintenance charges, increasing hospital costs. Hospitals partner with diagnostic centers that provide medical imaging facilities to reduce this burden. Under this partnership, hospitals provide diagnostic devices such as ultrasound for medical imaging. Therefore, a growing number of partnerships between hospitals and diagnostic centers is expected to drive growth.

Impact of covid-19

The automotive industry is critical to the economy's growth. However, during the second and third quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak impacted the whole automotive supply chain, affecting new car sales in FY 2020.

South America is most affected by COVID-19, with Brazil leading the way, followed by Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. South America's government (SAM) has taken a number of steps to protect its citizens and stem the spread of COVID-19. South America is expected to have fewer export revenues as commodity prices fall and export volumes fall, particularly to China, Europe, and the United States, which are all significant trading partners. The manufacturing industry, especially automotive manufacturing, has been damaged by containment measures in various South American countries. Due to the pandemic, major automotive manufacturers have also temporarily halted manufacturing in the region as a cost-cutting move. Furthermore, the automobile disc brake industry has been significantly affected in 2020 due to a lack of raw materials and supply chain disruption.

The Automotive Brake System control module of a vehicle is meant to alert the driver with a warning light if the system fails. The module itself is rarely defective; instead, the sensors or the wiring to the sensors are frequently defective. The most typical cause of dysfunction is when the Automotive Brake System is contaminated with particles or metal shavings. There is no signal continuity when sensor wiring is destroyed. Brake fluid becomes contaminated in corrosive situations, and the hydraulic unit fails to function.

Recent Developments

• July 2022 - The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based distributor and service provider of medical imaging equipment, NXC Imaging, has been acquired by Canon Medical Systems USA Inc., a commercial division of Canon Medical Systems Corporation and a world leader in cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technology.
• July 2022- The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based distributor and service provider of medical imaging equipment, NXC Imaging, has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Canon Medical Systems USA Inc., a commercial subsidiary of Canon Medical Systems Corporation and a world leader in cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technology. The US Upper Midwest is the geographic scope of NCX Imaging, a distributorship company established in 1964. The deal is anticipated to be finalized in the third quarter of 2022.
• June 2022 - Canon Medical Systems USA Inc., a business unit of Canon Medical Systems Corporation and a leader in cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technology worldwide, announced the addition of a utilization management dashboard and cybersecurity health score to its online 360 Connect customer portal for users. The regular service agreement offered to clients nationally by Canon Medical now includes these two new enhancements.