Urology Care Devices and Platforms Market

Market Overview

The global urology care devices and platforms market size was valued at USD 41.83 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 90.32 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.93% over the forecast period (2024-32). The rising incidence of urological conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, prostate disorders (e.g., benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer), and urinary incontinence drives the demand for urology care devices and platforms. As the global population ages and lifestyles change, the prevalence of these disorders continues to grow.

The American Urological Society describes urology as the medical and physiological field that "deals with illnesses of the male and female urinary system" (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). The male reproductive organs (penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate, etc.) are also covered. Problems with one of the urinary or reproductive tracts frequently affect the other because of their interdependence. Thus, genitourinary disorders cover a wide range of conditions treated in urology. Urologists are medical specialists focusing on the urology sector who are educated to identify, diagnose, and treat this group of problems and diseases.

The term "urology devices" refers to the medical equipment used to diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary tract. These devices aid in treating kidney stones, prostate enlargement, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. Urology devices can shorten patients' treatment and recovery times more effectively. Platforms in the global urology care devices and platforms market mobile applications or software that focus on improved imaging analytics, data analytics, and remote patient monitoring.

Highlights

• Devices dominate the product segment
• Treatment dominates the application segment
• Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics dominate the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Urological Disorders

Urological disorders have been consistently increasing over the past decade. The high susceptibility of diabetic patients to urinary tract infections (UTI) is a significant factor in growing urological disorder cases. Thus, with the rise in diabetic patients worldwide, UTIs are becoming widespread. Additionally, the prevalence of urinary incontinence is increasing due to contributing factors such as childbirth and menopause in females and post-prostatectomy in males. Pregnancy weakens the pelvic floor muscles, thus contributing to the risk of developing an overactive bladder. For instance, according to a study published in the International Urogynecology Journal, titled 'Urinary Incontinence during Pregnancy: Prevalence, Experience of Bother, Beliefs, and Help-Seeking Behavior,' in October 2020, the risk of developing urinary incontinence increases with each trimester of pregnancy.

Furthermore, in many COVID-19 patients, problems with the respiratory system have been accompanied by renal distress. For instance, according to a review article published by the Institute of Nephrology, titled 'Acute Kidney Injury in the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease' in June 2020, acute kidney injury (AKI) was identified as a common complication of coronavirus. Therefore, the rising incidences of urological disorders drive market growth.

Product Portfolio Expansion Through Mergers and Acquisitions

Many vital mergers and acquisitions have also taken place in the field of urology that have driven the global urology care devices and platforms market. This assists the companies in gaining access to newer technologies and strengthening their product offering. For instance, in November 2020, the U.S. Urology Partners and Associated Medical Professionals entered into a partnership to advance urological treatments and services and strive for enhanced patient outcomes.

Similarly, in May 2021, Medi-Tate Ltd's iTind device for BPH treatment was acquired by Olympus Corporation. iTind is a nitinol implantable device that remodels the urethra to provide a wider passage for urine to flow through. Since it is a minimally invasive approach to provide relief from BPH, its addition to Olympus Corporation's portfolio would assist the company in strengthening its presence in the global market. Such factors boost market growth.

Market Restraint

High Upfront Cost of Devices

In urology, instruments such as endoscopes are available as single-use and reusable devices. According to a March 2020 article titled "Comparative Analysis of Reusable and Single-Use Flexible Endoscopes for Urological Interventions" published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), single-use devices have advantages over reusable ones. However, a significant limitation encountered with single-use instruments is their high upfront cost which puts pressure on the global market. This causes an increase in hospital expenditure which subsequently leads to higher treatment costs. As a result, healthcare becomes less affordable and accessible, restraining the growth of the global market.

Market Opportunities

Emergence of Regional Companies

There is more competition among the competitors in the global market as more businesses venture into creating products using cutting-edge technologies. While the major players in the worldwide urology care devices and platforms market hold a larger market share, newer start-ups are focusing on entering the market by launching products that integrate concepts such as AI and machine learning (ML) into their devices. This gives them an edge over the already existing products. This also gives the end-users, such as healthcare providers, physicians, and patients, more flexibility in choosing a product best suited to their needs.

For instance, Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. is an emerging player in the global urology care devices and platforms market and has developed a neurostimulator for treating overactive bladder and bowel movement disorders. Other emerging companies in the global urology care devices and platforms market include Valencia Technologies Corporation, NanoVibronix, Inc., I-O Urology, CareLogiQ Corp., and Renalytix AI plc, among others. These emerging companies create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global urology care devices and platforms 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 global market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.44% during the forecast period. The North American urology care devices and platforms market significantly contributes to the global market. The incidences of urological disorders, such as those affecting the excretory and male reproductive systems, are constantly rising in the region. According to GHDx, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in North America is continuously increasing. The numbers increased from 43.2 million in 2018 to 43.9 million in 2019. In addition, technological advancements in the U.S. are driving the remote patient monitoring segment. With the shifting preference from at-clinic to at-home diagnostic and monitoring services, there is a growing demand for remote patient monitoring devices and applications. The data of physiological vitals generated by the device are then analyzed by a physician enabling further diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of the patient. Furthermore, companies such as I-O Urology and CareLogiQ Corp are also propelling the adoption of remote patient monitoring in the region's market.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.64% over the forecast period. One of the key factors driving the growth of the Europe urology care devices and platforms market is the presence of numerous regional companies. Dornier MedTech GmbH, B. Braun Melsungen AG, and Medtronic plc are local to the region and have a strong presence in the regional and global market. These companies manufacture conventional and advanced urology devices and have furthered technology integration and growth of the Europe market. In addition, the rising prevalence of kidney diseases and diabetes in the region is one of the primary drivers for the growth of the Europe market. According to Global Health Data Exchange, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the region increased by 13.68% from 2010 to 2019. Furthermore, the prevalence of diabetes increased by 23.13% in the same period. The rising prevalence of the diseases has led to increased adoption of urology care devices and platforms, consequently propelling the market's growth.

The Asia-Pacific urology care devices and platforms market is estimated to be the fastest-growing market over the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region comprises various global and local companies operating in the region's urological care devices and platforms market. Companies such as Olympus Corporation, Medispec, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Nikkiso Co., Ltd., and Polymedicure are local to the region and have a considerable presence in the market. Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers offering economical alternatives and inexpensive raw materials would also advance the growth of the Asia-Pacific market.

Latin America is one of the emerging regional markets in the global market. The marker needs to be improved by the limited number of healthcare personnel in the region which can be attributed to factors such as the shortage of healthcare training centers, barriers preventing citizens from migrating to other regions, and lack of allocation of resources to the healthcare sector of the region. However, expanding healthcare training centers and educational government incentives to promote the urology field hold market growth opportunities.

The incidences of urological disorders, such as those affecting the excretory and male reproductive systems, are constantly rising in the Middle East and Africa. For instance, according to GHDx, in 2019, there were 49.7 million and 35.1 million patients with CKD and diabetes in the Middle East and Africa, respectively. This increase in the prevalence of urological disorders boosts market growth. The key drivers for the market include the rising prevalence of urological disorders and improving healthcare infrastructure. However, the market is restrained by various factors, such as the need for more trained medical staff and awareness about the advanced devices and platforms used to diagnose, treat, and monitor urological disorders.

Segmental Analysis

The global urology care devices and platforms market is segmented by product, application, indication, and end-user.

Based on products, the global market is segmented into platforms and devices.

The devices segment owns the highest market share and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.84% during the forecast period. Urological medical devices are indicated to diagnose, treat and manage urological conditions such as urinary incontinence, kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and urologic cancers. The urologic devices can be segmented into conventional and advanced devices based on the degree of technology integration. Devices such as dialysis devices, endoscopy and imaging devices, lasers and lithotripsy devices, endoscopy fluid management, insufflators, and urodynamic devices are conventional, whereas neurostimulators and robotic systems are advanced.

Based on application, the global market is bifurcated into diagnosis and monitoring, and treatment.

The treatment segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.94% over the forecast period. Many conventional and advanced devices are used to treat these urological disorders. The treatment segment of the global urological care devices and platforms market is projected to hold a larger market share throughout the forecast period. The rise in urological disorder prevalence and healthcare expenditure drive the segment's growth. However, the need for reimbursement coverage and the high cost of treatment are anticipated to restrain segment growth. Companies operating in this segment include Albyn Medical Ltd., Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc., BlueWind Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation, innoMedicus Ltd., and Medtronic plc.

Based on indication, the global market is divided into kidney diseases, urological cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pelvic organ prolapse, and other diseases.

The kidney diseases segment is responsible for the largest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.48% over the forecast period. Kidney stones are among the most common urological disorders affecting the kidneys. Kidney stones are examined using a ureteroscope and further treated using technologies such as laser ablation therapy. Either continuous or pulsed energy from a laser breaks up the stones into fragments, which are subsequently collected using a stone basket and drained from the body. Companies offering products for treating and diagnosing kidney diseases include Dornier MedTech Gmbh, Asclepion Laser Technologies GmbH, Boston Scientific Corporation, and KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, among others. Furthermore, an increase in the prevalence of kidney diseases, a rise in the diabetic population, and increasing healthcare expenditure are factors driving the segment's growth. However, high treatment costs are anticipated to restrain segment growth.

Based on end-user, the global market is divided into hospitals, ASCs, and clinics, dialysis centers, and homecare settings.

The hospitals, ASCs, and clinics segment owns the highest market share and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.58% over the forecast period. Many urological procedures, such as endoscopies, biopsies, lithotripsies, and implantation of medical devices for urinary incontinence, are conducted in hospital settings. This is due to the need for postoperative care of the patients. The rise in the patient population requiring urological surgeries, facilities for postoperative care, and rising hospital expenditure are factors driving the hospital segment.

Clinics are smaller service centers than hospitals, with comparatively fewer beds and services. While clinics offer the facilities and equipment required for diagnosis and treatment, they also provide a more personalized work environment and allow for building better patient-physician relationships. Further, ASCs are healthcare settings committed to providing patients with diagnostic and treatment care on the same day. Technological advancements have helped reduce instances of patient overnight stays and faster recovery, allowing for more procedures to be effectively conducted at ASCs.

Recent Developments

• April 2024 - The maker of the CarePath uroflow device, I-O Urology, announced an investment from Laborie Medical Technologies. Reduced therapy for urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is the goal of CarePath, an at-home diagnostic tool approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The technology, which can be reimbursed for remote patient monitoring, is intended to enhance patient participation and compliance while standardizing LUTS treatment.
• May 2024 - Urogpt, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence technology, was introduced by Dornier Medtech to assist kidney stone patients. Urogpt, which was created in partnership with top urologists, is a significant step forward in the company's mission to use digital innovation to provide patient-centered solutions that empower kidney stone patients. When managing the complexities of their disease, urology patients can feel informed and reassured by the app's practical insights and on-demand help.