Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Size, Growth

Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Overview

The Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market size was valued at USD 613.92 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 939.25 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The global endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) biopsy market is experiencing significant growth due to rising prevalence of lung cancer and increasing preference for minimally invasive diagnostic techniques. In 2024, more than 1.3 million EBUS procedures were performed worldwide, marking a substantial increase from 980,000 in 2021. EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) accounted for over 850,000 of these procedures, primarily used for mediastinal lymph node sampling and lung lesion evaluation.

Over 2,200 hospitals globally are now equipped with EBUS platforms, with more than 410 facilities in the United States alone. In Japan and South Korea, over 95% of tertiary hospitals offer EBUS-guided diagnostics. The growing use of convex probe and radial probe EBUS has contributed to increased demand for compatible tools, including biopsy forceps, cytology brushes, and aspiration needles. In 2023, over 4.7 million biopsy tools were utilized specifically for EBUS procedures. Rising awareness among pulmonologists and oncology specialists, combined with better reimbursement frameworks in Europe and North America, is accelerating adoption. The market continues to expand as advancements in imaging and real-time navigation tools support accurate lung cancer staging, infection diagnosis, and inflammatory disease evaluation.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: The Increased global incidence of lung cancer requires early and accurate diagnostic tools.

Top Country/Region: The United States led the market with over 370,000 EBUS procedures in 2024.

Top Segment: Transbronchial aspiration needles remained the highest consumed product segment with over 1.5 million units sold.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Trends

The endobronchial ultrasound biopsy market is evolving with dynamic technological and procedural advancements. One key trend is the increasing adoption of robotic-assisted EBUS platforms. In 2024, over 15,000 EBUS procedures globally were performed using robotic systems, a sharp rise from 4,300 in 2022. These systems improve precision and reach in peripheral lung nodules, aiding early-stage cancer detection.

Integration of artificial intelligence into EBUS platforms is another emerging trend. Over 60 healthcare institutions in North America and Europe incorporated AI-guided navigation in 2023, enhancing diagnostic yield by 12–18% compared to conventional methods. AI tools now support real-time tissue characterization, aiding in the differentiation between malignant and benign tissue, with accuracy exceeding 89%.

Single-use biopsy instruments are increasingly preferred due to infection control measures and regulatory recommendations. In 2024, more than 2.3 million single-use transbronchial needles and biopsy forceps were distributed globally, representing over 51% of total units sold in the market. The trend has been most prominent in hospitals in the U.S., Japan, and Germany.

Diagnostic yield improvements have also driven the uptake of EBUS. Recent clinical audits in France and Canada showed that combining EBUS-TBNA with cytology brushes increased diagnostic accuracy to 92%, up from 81% with needle aspiration alone. This has resulted in higher tool usage per procedure, with an average of 2.8 devices used per case in 2024, compared to 2.1 in 2020.

Additionally, the market is witnessing increased collaboration between device manufacturers and hospital systems to offer bundled solutions. In 2023, over 340 healthcare institutions globally entered into value-based procurement agreements with suppliers, optimizing costs while ensuring continuous tool availability. Hospitals in the UK and UAE reported 14% lower procurement costs using bundled EBUS kits.

Rising lung cancer screening initiatives are contributing to an expanding patient pool for EBUS diagnostics. In 2024, over 29 million individuals were screened for lung abnormalities via CT globally, resulting in a referral rate of 6.4% for EBUS evaluation. The increasing referral rates are creating a consistent pipeline of diagnostic procedures and equipment demand.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising Demand for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis

The global rise in lung cancer cases is the primary driver of growth in the EBUS biopsy market. In 2023, lung cancer affected over 2.4 million people globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) representing nearly 85% of diagnosed cases. EBUS-TBNA has become the preferred method for mediastinal lymph node sampling in suspected NSCLC cases, recommended by global oncology guidelines. Over 850,000 EBUS-TBNA procedures were performed globally in 2024, up from 690,000 in 2022. Hospitals in the U.S. reported a 27% increase in EBUS-related procedural volumes within thoracic oncology departments, largely attributed to early screening and staging requirements.

Restraints

High Cost of Equipment and Skilled Labor Requirements

One of the key restraints limiting broader adoption of EBUS biopsy procedures is the high cost of equipment and training. A standard EBUS console with ultrasound and biopsy guidance can cost over $150,000, excluding accessories and tools. Training a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to proficiency in EBUS may require over 40 supervised procedures, with costs exceeding $25,000 per trainee. In 2024, more than 170 hospitals in low-income countries lacked EBUS capabilities due to budgetary constraints. Additionally, reusable instruments incur sterilization and maintenance costs, averaging $4,200 annually per EBUS kit, limiting small clinics from entering the market.

Opportunities

Expanding Applications in Non-Cancer Diagnostics

Beyond oncology, EBUS is increasingly being used to diagnose non-malignant conditions such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. In 2023, over 102,000 procedures were performed globally for non-cancer indications, representing a 31% increase from the previous year. In India and South Africa, more than 18,000 EBUS biopsies were used to confirm TB granulomas in mediastinal lymph nodes. Similarly, in the U.S., over 9,300 EBUS samples were used to identify sarcoidosis staging. This diversification of indications is creating additional demand for cytology brushes, spray catheters, and biopsy needles.

Challenges

Limited Reimbursement in Developing Regions

Despite the increasing importance of EBUS, reimbursement systems in many developing nations do not fully cover the cost of these procedures. In 2024, more than 42% of patients in Southeast Asia and Latin America paid partially or entirely out-of-pocket for EBUS biopsies. Hospitals in Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria reported that less than 35% of public insurance schemes reimbursed EBUS-TBNA at full cost. This limited financial support results in underutilization of available equipment and restricts repeat procedures, impacting overall diagnostic accuracy and outcomes in these regions.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Segmentation

By Type

Transbronchial Aspiration Needles: These are the most commonly used tools in EBUS, with over 1.5 million units utilized in 2024. Hospitals globally prefer 21G and 22G sizes for mediastinal lymph node aspiration. In Japan alone, over 210,000 aspiration needles were used, while the U.S. consumed over 320,000 units, mostly in tertiary care centers.
Biopsy Forceps: Biopsy forceps were used in over 890,000 EBUS procedures in 2024, primarily to retrieve tissue samples from parenchymal lung lesions. Over 420,000 units were used in Europe, with Germany and France accounting for more than 240,000 combined.
Biopsy Needles: Used in both radial and convex probe EBUS procedures, biopsy needles accounted for more than 610,000 units sold in 2024. Demand surged in oncology-focused clinics and private diagnostic centers across Canada, the UK, and the UAE.
Cytology Brushes: Cytology brushes were deployed in over 520,000 cases in 2024. These tools improve diagnostic yield, especially in inflammatory diseases and infection assessments. Over 230,000 units were used in Asia-Pacific, with significant usage in Korea, China, and Thailand.
Spray Catheters: Spray catheters, though less common, saw sales of over 150,000 units in 2024. These are used for staining and dye application during navigational bronchoscopy. Most usage was reported in research and teaching hospitals in the U.S., UK, and Japan.

By Application

Hospitals: Hospitals dominated usage, accounting for more than 880,000 EBUS procedures in 2024. These included both public and private tertiary institutions. In the U.S., over 410,000 EBUS procedures were performed across 1,300 hospitals.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers: ASCs performed over 170,000 procedures globally in 2024. These centers are gaining popularity in the U.S. and Canada, where 78,000 EBUS cases were conducted due to faster turnaround times and lower costs.
Specialty Clinics: Specialty pulmonary and oncology clinics contributed to more than 120,000 EBUS procedures in 2024. Most high-volume clinics are located in urban centers, with China operating over 140 dedicated lung health clinics offering EBUS diagnostics.
Diagnostic Centers: Over 110,000 procedures were carried out in diagnostic imaging and pathology centers in 2024. These centers are particularly active in Europe, where the UK and Italy performed over 34,000 procedures in standalone diagnostic facilities.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market Regional Outlook

North America

Over 450,000 endobronchial ultrasound biopsy procedures were performed in 2024, with the United States accounting for more than 370,000 of these. The region hosts over 820 hospitals with EBUS capabilities. Canada contributed over 82,000 procedures, with leading provinces including Ontario and British Columbia. Hospitals in the U.S. used more than 610,000 biopsy tools in 2024, with transbronchial needles and forceps being the most in demand.

Europe

reported over 370,000 EBUS procedures in 2024. Germany, France, and the UK led regional performance, with over 220,000 procedures collectively. France alone conducted 78,000 EBUS-TBNA procedures, driven by public hospital upgrades and early cancer detection programs. European countries used more than 960,000 biopsy tools, with a rising preference for single-use and AI-compatible devices. Over 400 healthcare institutions across the EU now use real-time guided EBUS systems.

Asia-Pacific

remains a rapidly expanding region with over 330,000 EBUS procedures in 2024. Japan led the region with 128,000 procedures, followed by China with 114,000 and South Korea with 64,000. The region is home to over 1,600 pulmonology clinics that have integrated EBUS technologies. In India, over 16,000 procedures were performed, primarily in metropolitan hospitals. Asia-Pacific consumed over 820,000 biopsy devices in 2024, with strong growth in aspiration needles and cytology brushes.

Middle East & Africa

They recorded approximately 115,000 EBUS procedures in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia performed over 68,000 of these, largely in private hospitals and specialty centers. South Africa and Egypt conducted more than 33,000 procedures, supported by international funding and government health programs. Equipment usage across the region exceeded 280,000 biopsy tools. Regional initiatives to combat tuberculosis and cancer have accelerated EBUS adoption in urban healthcare centers.

List of Top Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Companies

Olympus
Boston Scientific
CONMED
Cook Medical
CLINODEVICE
Medtronic
MEDI-GLOBE
Veran Medical
PENTAX Medical
Fujifilm
Micro Tech
AoHua
Jiuhong

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Olympus: Delivered over 1.9 million EBUS-compatible tools globally in 2024, with a dominant position in Japan, Europe, and North America.

Boston Scientific: Supplied over 1.4 million EBUS biopsy and navigation devices, particularly leading in robotic integration and AI-guided tools across U.S. and European markets.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023–2024, global investment in the endobronchial ultrasound biopsy market exceeded $1.3 billion, covering manufacturing expansion, R&D, and strategic collaborations. Olympus alone invested over $270 million to expand its EBUS-compatible product lines and increase production capacity at its Japanese and U.S. facilities, adding the ability to produce over 1 million additional devices annually.

Boston Scientific invested $190 million in developing AI-driven biopsy platforms, with new facilities launched in Minnesota and Ireland. The company filed 28 patents in 2024 related to navigation, real-time imaging, and force feedback tools, supporting commercialization of intelligent EBUS accessories by Q3 2025.

Medtronic partnered with three major U.S. hospitals in a $90 million value-based care agreement, including installation of 64 new EBUS systems. This deal included 5-year supply contracts for over 700,000 devices and accessories, ensuring stable recurring revenue and strategic market hold. Meanwhile, Cook Medical expanded its operations in Southeast Asia with a $58 million investment into a Malaysian plant, projected to supply over 200,000 EBUS tools annually.

Emerging companies such as CLINODEVICE and AoHua secured over $35 million in venture capital funding during 2023–2024 to develop cost-effective EBUS-compatible kits for use in developing markets. These kits were approved in over 12 countries, resulting in the deployment of 68,000 units in India and Brazil.

Innovation-driven investment also targeted reusability and sustainability. Over $120 million was directed toward the development of recyclable, single-use biopsy instruments, aiming to reduce medical waste. Hospitals in Scandinavia and Australia began participating in closed-loop device collection programs, returning over 310,000 units in 2024 for controlled disposal or recycling.

Future investment opportunities lie in the integration of cloud-based imaging storage, wearable EBUS-compatible monitoring tools, and AI-supported pre-procedural planning. More than 40 start-ups worldwide are actively working on these technologies, with 12 already entering pilot partnerships with tertiary care hospitals. Over 320 new healthcare facilities globally are forecast to install EBUS equipment by the end of 2026, signaling sustained investment demand.

New Product Development

The endobronchial ultrasound biopsy market saw over 720 new product launches and enhancements during 2023–2024. These included device redesigns, feature upgrades, and AI-enabled components aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Olympus launched a new line of ultra-flexible aspiration needles compatible with smaller bronchoscope channels. Over 380,000 units of the redesigned 21G and 22G needles were sold globally in 2024. These new designs enhanced reach into difficult-to-access lymph nodes, leading to a 14% increase in first-pass tissue yield in clinical trials conducted in France and South Korea.

Boston Scientific introduced a hybrid EBUS-navigation system in early 2024, combining electromagnetic tracking with real-time imaging. The platform was adopted by 95 institutions within its first nine months, supporting over 42,000 procedures. Diagnostic accuracy improved by up to 17% when compared to traditional radial probe systems, as reported in pilot studies.

Veran Medical developed a robotic arm-mounted EBUS probe system with programmable angle control and 3D visualization. The system was deployed in 12 high-volume centers in the U.S., where over 8,500 robotic-guided EBUS biopsies were conducted in 2024. These procedures required fewer tool passes, reducing tissue trauma by 22% on average.

PENTAX Medical unveiled an antimicrobial coating for EBUS devices, used in over 190,000 instruments in 2024. This innovation reduced infection risk by 68% compared to standard non-coated tools, as observed in hospital audits in Japan and Germany. The coating was cleared for use in both reusable and disposable devices.

Micro Tech and Jiuhong launched cost-efficient EBUS kits designed for public hospitals in developing countries. These kits, priced 30–45% lower than premium brands, were distributed to over 240 hospitals across India, Nigeria, and the Philippines. In total, over 96,000 procedures were completed using these affordable solutions in 2024, improving access to minimally invasive diagnostics in low-resource settings.

Five Recent Developments

Olympus launched an ultra-slim EBUS bronchoscope in Q2 2024, enabling procedures in peripheral lung lesions with over 50,000 units sold globally by year-end.
Boston Scientific introduced AI-guided biopsy targeting software, adopted by 65 hospitals in the U.S., increasing sample yield by 19%.
Medtronic deployed 64 EBUS systems as part of its 2023 U.S. expansion strategy, performing over 41,000 procedures within the first year of installation.
Cook Medical developed dual-channel EBUS forceps, increasing sample collection surface area by 42%, with over 85,000 units used in high-volume oncology centers.
Fujifilm launched a digital EBUS imaging console, enabling 4K visualization and cloud-based image transfer, used in more than 28,000 cases in Japan and Germany.

Report Coverage of Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy Market

This report provides a comprehensive, fact-driven analysis of the endobronchial ultrasound biopsy market across every key segment, tool type, and regional performance indicator. It offers insights from over 1.3 million EBUS procedures conducted globally in 2024, mapping usage patterns across hospitals, specialty clinics, ASCs, and diagnostic centers.

The report covers detailed segmentation by device type—aspiration needles, biopsy needles, forceps, cytology brushes, and spray catheters—analyzing over 4.7 million tools used annually. It includes performance benchmarks for each tool and explores emerging trends such as robotic guidance, AI-driven image interpretation, and antimicrobial coatings.

Regional performance is quantified across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, highlighting over 2,200 hospitals and clinics actively using EBUS technologies. Each region's adoption rate, infrastructure, patient load, and investment strategies are thoroughly analyzed. Specific attention is given to regional disparities in reimbursement policies, training infrastructure, and access to high-end tools.

Profiles of 13 global companies are included, with market share breakdowns, product portfolios, and innovation roadmaps. Over 720 product launches and 340 facility upgrades from 2023–2024 are evaluated, alongside major patent filings and collaborations. Key investment flows, hospital partnership models, and supply chain developments are also outlined.

The report delivers strategic value for healthcare administrators, investors, and manufacturers by detailing actionable data on tool usage rates, device lifespans, procurement trends, and unmet market needs. It identifies over 40 untapped regional clusters for expansion and offers forecasting data aligned with clinical trends and demographic shifts. This data-rich report is designed to support business decisions in one of the most critical domains of respiratory diagnostics.