Disposable Endoscopes Market

Market Overview

The global disposable endoscopes market size was valued at USD 1.73 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 8.22 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The rising prevalence of nosocomial infections, the rise in the number of FDA approvals, and the launch of new products stimulate market growth.

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to identify, stop, and treat problems with visceral organs. Disposable endoscopes are inserted into the body by natural holes or cavities (such as the anus and mouth) or through incisions, notably in the case of arthroscopy. Disposable endoscopes are outfitted with several additional components, such as a camera or light source at the tip, to let doctors or other healthcare professionals (endoscopists) analyze internal organs of interest. Before COVID-19, disposable endoscopes had been steadily gaining popularity. However, during the pandemic, demand for these goods skyrocketed because they were considered more hygienic than conventional endoscopes. The usage of disposable endoscopes is expected to eventually supplant that of standard endoscopes as more medical professionals advocate for their use globally.

Market Dynamics

Global Disposable Endoscopes Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Nosocomial Infections

Using contaminated endoscopes increases the risk of nosocomial infections, a major reason driving the market's need for disposable endoscopes. Reusable endoscopes are highly susceptible to microbial, blood, and bodily secretion contamination during use. Failures in endoscopic reprocessing, breaking the rules, and using faulty equipment are the main causes of these transmissions. Reusable endoscopes also feature a complicated structure with numerous internal passages and a small lumen, which makes cleaning difficult and time-consuming. As a result, these devices have a significant likelihood of microbial infection. There is an increasing demand for disposable endoscopes to reduce this danger of infection.

The market need for disposable endoscopes is increased by the failure of present cleaning techniques and non-compliance with endoscopic cleaning protocols, which raises the danger of microbiological contamination from reusable endoscopes. For instance, an article in the reputable publication Nursing Times stated that the present methods used to clean reusable endoscopes were ineffective in the eyes of American infection control experts. According to the study, even stringent cleaning techniques frequently left organic residues behind. The reusable endoscope risks people's health since it allows harmful bacteria to spread. The need for single-use or disposable endoscopes is rising due to this concern.

Rise in the Number of FDA Approvals and Launch of New Products

To address the issue of cross-contamination, the FDA has approved a variety of disposable endoscopes. This approval is expected to improve the industry's supply of these devices and, in turn, spur market growth. One of the factors contributing to an increase in FDA approvals, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth of disposable endoscopes, is regulatory bodies' growing worries regarding the safety of reusable endoscopes. Many market participants invest more money in creating new items while improving their offerings. To compete with traditional reusable endoscopes, manufacturers are working to increase the quality of disposable endoscopes.

Global Disposable Endoscopes Market Restraint

Lack of Awareness and Low Adoption of Disposable Endoscopes in Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers

Disposable endoscopes offer several advantages, but patients and healthcare professionals are not sufficiently aware of these advantages. Such gadgets are not widely used in hospitals and diagnostic facilities due to low awareness. Medical professionals always face difficult decisions when deciding between reusable and disposable endoscopes because each device has advantages and disadvantages. Because reusable endoscopes have sophisticated designs and are outfitted with technologically advanced components that are sometimes absent from disposable endoscopes, many healthcare professionals are still dubious about the effectiveness of disposable endoscopes over reusable ones. Additionally, the low adoption of disposable endoscopes in hospitals is likely because they are not ecologically friendly and may produce medical waste.

Global Disposable Endoscopes Market Opportunities

High-Resolution Imaging and Emerging Technologies

High-quality disposable endoscopes have been created thanks to technological developments in materials, imaging, and downsizing. With further research and development, novel disposable endoscopes with enhanced usability, imaging capabilities, and functionality are being introduced. These developments make the new potential for application in numerous medical disciplines possible. Additionally, enhanced imaging capabilities are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment during endoscopic procedures. High-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) cameras, which provide crisper and more detailed visualization of tissues and structures, are increasingly included in disposable endoscopes. In several medical professions, this raises diagnostic precision and improves patient outcomes.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global disposable endoscopes market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant disposable endoscopes market shareholder over the forecast period. The demand for disposable endoscopes in this region is anticipated to increase due to the rising frequency of hospital-acquired illnesses brought on by using contaminated endoscopes. The demand for disposal endoscopes in this area is growing as healthcare professionals worry about reprocessing failures. Reprocessing failure of reusable endoscopes was listed as a serious concern to patient health in recent research, according to an article in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology from 2018. Additionally, it was revealed that a recent study carried out in three hospitals in the United States discovered microbial growth on about 75% of the endoscopes following reprocessing. Other significant variables anticipated to benefit market expansion include the rise in diagnostic procedures and current technological developments in disposable devices.

In addition, the market for disposable endoscopes is projected to benefit from COVID-19. The usage and demand for disposable endoscopes over reusable endoscopes in the region have increased due to the region's strict laws regarding surgical procedures during the pandemic. For instance, the sales of disposable endoscopes increased significantly in May 2020, with overall organic growth of nearly 17% in the North American region for the quarter, according to the interim report of financials provided by Ambu A/S. Thus, these variables are anticipated to fuel market growth during the anticipated period.

Europe is anticipated to grow fast over the forecast period. The demand for disposable endoscopes in the market is anticipated to increase due to the rising frequency of endoscopy-related infections among patients in this area. The CE approval of these devices by major competitors in this market is expanding, which is anticipated to fuel market expansion in this area. Several important factors, including significant market players and recent technological developments in disposable endoscopes, are predicted to enhance the market over the coming years.

Furthermore, the government's strict controls on surgical operations and other therapies contribute to the COVID-19 pandemic's increased demand for disposable endoscopes. The market demand is growing, as seen by the rising sales of disposable endoscopes from different industry participants. The increased demand for single-use gadgets, especially endoscopes, in the area is to blame for this large increase in sales. This is anticipated to have a favorable effect on market growth during the anticipated period.

Asia-Pacific has emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the global market. Using contaminated endoscopes may increase the risk of infection in this area if suitable endoscopic reprocessing procedures aren't followed. Due to the lack of healthcare resources, nosocomial infections are a significant problem for low- and middle-income nations, which may increase the market need for disposable endoscopes. A 2016 Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology report indicated that developing nations had a risk of healthcare-associated infections that were two to twenty times greater than industrialized nations.

Additionally, several benefits of disposable endoscopes, such as cost savings and infection control, may support market expansion in the coming years. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had the greatest impact on Asia-Pacific. As a result, many recommendations have been made by governments in the area for limiting infections and decreasing contamination during surgical procedures. For instance, there are strict guidelines for sterilizing and cleaning reusable medical equipment, including endoscopes, according to the Asian Pacific Society for Digestive Endoscopy. As a result, more disposable endoscopes are being used for these procedures, which is anticipated to drive market expansion over the projection period.

In Latin America, Hospital-acquired diseases from contaminated endoscopes are projected to stimulate demand for disposable endoscopes. These devices may be used more due to insufficient funds and reprocessing equipment. Infections and acute illness are common here. Disposable devices reduce cross-contamination and save procedure costs, making them popular among healthcare practitioners prioritizing infection prevention. However, this region's healthcare professionals' lack of endoscopy-related infection awareness may slow market expansion. The COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America has also caused healthcare infrastructure issues. Disposable endoscopes are still being adopted in the region due to a lack of financial resources and healthcare facilities. However, knowledge of disposable endoscopes' benefits and cost-effectiveness and the pandemic's impact on surgical and diagnostic operations is projected to drive the market during the projection period.

In the Middle East and Africa, Disposable endoscopes may be needed to prevent patient cross-contamination when exogenous infections arise. The lack of suitable guidelines and qualified resources for cleaning contaminated endoscopes in this region may also increase the demand for disposable endoscopes. Medical tourism in this region may boost demand for these devices, which reduces infection, cost, and procedure time. Disposable endoscopes are expected to increase in demand as this region adopts more technologically advanced goods. The COVID-19 epidemic can also raise awareness of disposable endoscopes in the region. This is projected to enhance disposable endoscope adoption by healthcare professionals, enhancing market growth throughout the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global disposable endoscopes market is bifurcated into type and application.

Based on the application, the global disposable endoscopes market is bifurcated into bronchoscopy, urologic endoscopy, arthroscopy, GI endoscopy, ENT endoscopy, and others.

The bronchoscopy segment dominates the global market over the forecast period. Disposable models are more popular because there is a greater danger of infection when using bronchoscopes because they reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. A significant reason that may cause infections and necessitate the adoption of single-use, disposable items is the failure of reprocessing operations carried out for decontaminating reusable bronchoscopes. Players in the market are constantly making investments to improve disposable bronchoscopes, which is anticipated to increase demand over the forecast period.

Due to their ease of use and lower risk of cross-contamination, disposable bronchoscopes have increased sales due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Disposable bronchoscopes are advised for patients with suspected or verified COVID-19, according to the CDC's 2020 recommendations. Such government and healthcare organizations’ recommendations will probably increase disposable bronchoscope sales and fuel the market overall during the epidemic. The market is thus anticipated to expand throughout the projected period due to rising disposable bronchoscope demand, even in the COVID-19 situation, rising product development and innovation investments, and rising acceptance by healthcare professionals.

Based on end-use, the global market is bifurcated into hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.

The hospital segment owns the highest disposable endoscopes market share over the forecast period. One of the key factors driving a rise in the use of disposable endoscopes in hospitals is a growing demand for endoscopic operations to be less expensive. Growing worries about endoscope-related hospital infections also fuel the need for disposable endoscopes. The need for disposable endoscopes and the frequency of hospital-acquired illnesses from contaminated endoscopic instruments are anticipated to rise. Another significant element projected to fuel the need for disposable endoscopes is pricing pressure among hospitals. This is explained by the affordable procedure expenses connected with disposable endoscopes.

The COVID-19 epidemic has significantly influenced hospital admissions and elective surgical operations. As a result, hospitals are using disposable endoscopes more frequently to decrease contamination and illnesses linked to COVID-19 patient endoscopic procedures. As an illustration, Ambu A/S offers disposable endoscopes and other equipment to numerous hospitals worldwide. The company noticed a surge in disposable endoscope sales due to the pandemic's increased hospital demand. Such occurrences demonstrate the disposable endoscope industry's growing potential in hospitals, projected to increase overall market growth.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- The first Square 2-megapixel Miniature CMOS Image Sensor for Disposable and Reusable Endoscopes is Announced by OmniVision. New features for high-resolution image sensors and the smallest and thinnest disposable endoscope designs use the CameraCubeChip® packaging with AntLinx™ digital interface.
• July 2023- New endoscope production facility opened by Pentax Medical in China. The new facility will assist in providing and maintaining endoscopic solutions for national healthcare facilities.