Disposable Endoscopes Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Coverage (Bronchoscopy, Duodenoscopes, Urological Endoscopes, Others), By End User (Diagnostic Centers, Hospitals, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The disposable endoscope market is anticipated to show steady growth during the forecast period.

Disposable endoscopes are revolutionizing the landscape of minimally invasive surgery, providing distinct advantages compared to traditional reusable instruments. These single-use endoscopes are meticulously crafted for specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, eliminating the need for reprocessing reusable scopes. This streamlined approach enhances workflow efficiency, reduces the risk of infections, and potentially lowers overall costs in medical settings.

Their applications span various medical domains, including gastrointestinal procedures such as colonoscopies, bronchoscopies, and duodenoscopies, as well as urological procedures like cystoscopies, ureteroscopies, and renal interventions. In addition, disposable endoscopes find utility in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures, covering rhinoscopies, laryngoscopies, and bronchoscopies. They are also applied in vascular procedures, encompassing angiography and other interventions, showcasing their versatility in diverse medical fields.

Market Drivers

• Large healthcare expenditure around the world-

Globally, health expenditure encompasses all spending related to health services, family planning, nutrition, and emergency aid designated for health, excluding drinking water and sanitation provisions. General government expenditure on health is measured as a percentage of total government expenditure. The US per capita national health expenditure stood at $11,582 in 2019, with the total national health expenditures reaching $3.8 trillion in the same year. Within the European Union (EU), the average health expenditure as a percentage of GDP is 10.9%. In 2020, Germany and France led the EU Member States with the highest healthcare expenditure relative to GDP, standing at 12.8% and 12.2%, respectively. Germany also had the highest overall healthcare expenditure among EU Member States in 2020, totaling €432 billion. France followed with €281 billion, then Italy (€160 billion), and Spain (€120 billion). Except for Greece, all EU Member States recorded higher healthcare expenditures in 2020 compared to 2012. Romania and Estonia saw the largest increases of 118.5% and 99.0%, respectively, with annual average increases of 10.3% and 9.0%. Several countries, including Lithuania, Latvia (2013–2020), Bulgaria, Malta (2014–2019), Czechia (2013–2020), and Luxembourg, experienced overall increases of at least 50.0% between 2012 and 2020. Demographic changes alongside other lifestyle changes influence healthcare expenditure trends over time. Among EU Member States, government schemes, compulsory contributory health insurance schemes, and compulsory medical saving accounts contribute to the rising healthcare expenditure, with a notable increase in the adoption of single-use endoscopy devices within the sector.

• Advancement in Technology-

The progress in materials and manufacturing techniques is driving the evolution of more cost-effective and efficient disposable scopes. This development addresses critical concerns related to infection control and patient outcomes, particularly in the context of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Single-use duodenoscopes, manufactured with a focus on sterility, aim to enhance patient safety by mitigating the risks associated with contamination and the challenges of reprocessing reusable scopes. The adoption of single-use options in ERCP procedures not only bolsters infection control measures but also seeks to optimize patient outcomes. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in endoscopy presents a promising avenue for enhancing the skills of practitioners with varying levels of experience. This supplementary application of AI has the potential to bridge the gap in endoscopic proficiency among doctors and serves as a valuable auxiliary tool to elevate the overall quality of daily endoscopic examinations.

Market Challenges

• High cost of the devices-

Although initially pricier, the gap in cost is progressively narrowing due to several contributing factors. The increasing adoption of disposable endoscopes results in economies of scale for manufacturers, leading to reduced production costs per unit. Consequently, this potential reduction in manufacturing expenses can translate into more competitive selling prices, enhancing affordability for hospitals. Continuous advancements in materials and manufacturing processes contribute to the creation of cost-effective, efficient disposable scopes. Manufacturers are optimizing single-use scope designs to deliver comparable image quality and functionality to reusables but at a lower cost. Standardizing components and designs simplifies production, reducing overall manufacturing complexity. Additionally, streamlining supply chains optimizes logistics, further diminishing associated costs. The expanding market for disposable endoscopes attracts new entrants and heightened competition, fostering innovation and exerting cost-efficiency pressure on manufacturers to provide more economical options.

Disposable endoscopes market by coverage is segmented into bronchoscopy, duodenoscopes, urological endoscopes, and others.

The disposable endoscopes market is segmented based on coverage into distinct categories. The Bronchoscopy segment addresses procedures involving the bronchial tubes and lungs, providing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in respiratory health. Duodenoscopes, within another category, are designed for examining and treating the duodenum, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in gastrointestinal health. The Urological Endoscopes segment is specialized for urological procedures, offering tools for the examination and treatment of the urinary system in the diagnosis and management of urological conditions. The "Others" category encompasses a diverse range of endoscopic applications not explicitly covered, reflecting additional specialized procedures and contributing to the disposable endoscopes in various medical fields.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the disposable endoscopes.

North America is projected to account for a notable share of the disposable endoscopes market owing to the growing demand from various hospitals and other healthcare services, driven by the increasing demand from a multitude of hospitals and other healthcare services. In 2023, the total number of hospitals in the United States stands at 6,129, reflecting a slight increase from the 6,093 recorded in 2022. This expansion is indicative of the overall growth in the healthcare market, as hospitals continue to be crucial hubs for medical services. Furthermore, the total number of hospital admissions in the U.S. reached 34,011,386 in 2023, showcasing a notable uptick from the 33,356,853 admissions reported in 2022.

The surge in both the number of hospitals and hospital admissions underscores the increasing demand for healthcare services in North America. This growing trend is contributing to the heightened demand for medical equipment and tools, including disposable endoscopes. As healthcare facilities strive for efficiency, safety, and infection control, the adoption of single-use endoscopy devices becomes increasingly pivotal. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the disposable endoscopes market is anticipated to witness sustained growth, driven by the region's commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and safe medical care.

Market Developments

• February 2023-  Boston Scientific Corporation announced that it had received FDA 510(k) clearance for the LithoVue™ Elite Single-Use Digital Flexible Ureteroscope System, representing a significant achievement. This groundbreaking ureteroscope system was the first of its kind, allowing real-time monitoring of intrarenal pressure during past ureteroscopy procedures commonly performed by urologists for diagnosing and treating urinary tract issues, especially kidney stones. Comprised of the single-use digital flexible ureteroscope and the StoneSmart™ Connect Console, the LithoVue Elite System expanded on the features of the original LithoVue™ System.
• May 2021- PENTAX Medical Europe successfully launched its new single-use bronchoscope, the PENTAX Medical ONE Pulmo, after obtaining the CE mark. The innovative bronchoscope, with its advanced features, broadened clinical applications beyond standard disposable scopes in pulmonary care. Having secured the CE mark, the PENTAX Medical ONE Pulmo provided clinicians with an advanced solution for delivering high-quality care without compromising pulmonary care.
• July 2022- Ambu Inc. announced that its Ambu® aScope™ 5 Broncho, a series of single-use, sterile bronchoscopes, received 510(k) regulatory clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). European regulatory clearance had been previously announced in May 2022. Subsequently, Ambu proceeded with the commercialization of the aScope 5 Broncho and the full high-definition Ambu® aBox™ 2 processing unit in both Europe and the USA. This move allowed Ambu to solidify its position as a market leader in pulmonology by venturing into the bronchoscopy suite segment, following regulatory clearances in both the U.S. and Europe.

Company Products

• EXALT™ Model B-  Transforming the landscape of flexible bronchoscopy, the EXALT™ Model B Single-Use Bronchoscope represents a pioneering advancement in single-use scopes. Tailored for optimal performance in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), it is specifically engineered to facilitate the maintenance of clear airways during intricate respiratory procedures, including the placement of double-lumen tubes. This cutting-edge bronchoscope is meticulously designed to enhance the overall experience for intensivists, providing them with a tool that not only meets the demands of complex procedures but also aligns with the evolving standards of convenience and efficiency in healthcare settings.
• Ambu® aScope™ Duodeno- In July 2020, the Ambu® aScope™ Duodeno endoscope achieved FDA clearance and was awarded breakthrough device designation. The FDA's breakthrough device program is specifically designated for medical devices that offer more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Notably, the centers for medicare & medicaid services (CMS) has granted new technology add-on payment (NTAP) approval for the Ambu aScope Duodeno. This means that hospitals receive additional reimbursement for utilizing the aScope Duodeno in eligible cases within the inpatient setting. This recognition underscores the significance of the Ambu aScope Duodeno in advancing medical technology for enhanced patient care in critical and complex medical scenarios.

Market Segmentation

• By  coverage
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Duodenoscopes
  • Urological endoscopes
  • Others
• By end user
  • Diagnostic centers
  • Hospitals
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others