Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging System MarketSize and Trends

Intravascular Ultrasound System Market - Market Dynamics

Key players are launching new products in the global intravascular ultrasound system market to provide better visualization of arteries. This is expected to expand the overall market of intravascular ultrasound system. For instance, in August 2018, Infraredx, Inc., a Nipro company, announced the Japanese launch of the Makoto intravascular imaging system and accompanying Dualpro intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy (IVUS+NIRS) catheter for mapping coronary artery disease. The launch follows a Spring 2018 limited market release that included more than 10 hospitals in Japan and this system has received approval from Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in 2017.

Increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases is one of the significant factors driving growth of the intravascular ultrasound system market. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which narrowing of the arteries leads to ischemia of the heart, which is a main consequence of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack) if it is left untreated.

Plaque is considered to be the main determinant of luminal narrowing in atherosclerosis. Examination of plaque can be done using intravascular ultrasound system market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) factsheet in 2017, globally 17.7 million people die due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) annually, which accounts for around 31% of all deaths worldwide. 80% of all CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes. This can be prevented if these disease are diagnosed on time with the help of different approaches including intravascular ultrasound system.

However, the image quality of standard-definition intravascular ultrasound can make identification of structures challenging. The thin fibrous cap thickness cannot be visualized using this imaging technique and it becomes difficult to characterize plaque composition. Physician who utilize this system needs expertise to examine the image and diagnose presence of abnormality if any. These factors are expected to limit the adoption of the intravascular ultrasound system, thereby hindering growth of the market.

Furthermore, cost of the imaging technique and lack of uniform reimbursement policy for IVUS are factors restraining growth of the market.