Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Share & Trends [2033]

Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Overview

The Medical Ultrasound Probe Market size was valued at USD 3841.53 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5159.17 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The medical ultrasound probe market underpins over 130 million imaging procedures annually, enabling real-time visualization across specialties. Hospitals accounted for roughly 50% of probe purchases in 2023, while diagnostic centers made up 30% and ambulatory care units the remainder. Dominant probe types—linear, convex, phased array and endocavitary—accounted for an estimated 85% of worldwide shipments. High-frequency probes (≥ 10 MHz) saw a 45% usage increase from 2020 to 2023, notably in musculoskeletal and vascular diagnostics. In obstetrics and gynecology, convex probes are used by over 65% of clinics due to superior penetration. Portable and wireless probes now constitute around 40% of new device sales worldwide. North America supports more than 72,000 ultrasound systems, with probe replacements driving ongoing market activity. Government initiatives in emerging economies—India, Brazil, Kenya—have added over 5,000 OB-GYN-capable probes in rural areas since 2021. Additionally, the global portable ultrasound market is valued at USD 4.7 billion as of 2023.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for high-frequency (≥ 10 MHz) probes in vascular and superficial tissue imaging.

Top Country/Region: North America, hosting more than 72,000 ultrasound systems.

Top Segment: OB‑GYN convex probes, used in over 65% of maternity clinics globally.

Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Trends

The industry continues to evolve through technological integration and diversification of probe applications. Portable ultrasound penetration has reached USD 4.72 billion in 2023, reflecting a 40% share of probe demand. Hospitals and clinics increasingly prefer wireless probes, with disposable coverings in about 60% of procedures for infection control. AI enhancement trends have led to image interpretation assistance in nearly 30% of new portable devices. Probe type adoption patterns reveal linear probes account for roughly 34% of the global transducer market, shipping USD 1.2 billion worth globally in 2023. Convex probes represent about 34% of total shipments, favored in general imaging and OB‑GYN applications. Phased array and endocavitary types make up another 30%, with phased array preferred in cardiac and emergency imaging and representing around 2‑6 MHz usage per probe. The endocavitary category sees frequency ranges from 3.5 MHz to 11.5 MHz. Disinfection protocols and consumables reflect changing trends—ultrasound probe disinfection exceeded USD 0.6 billion in 2023.

High-level disinfection is mandated in about 75% of OB-GYN and urology procedures, with supply kit usage rising 20% year-on-year in emerging markets. End-users show strong interest in 3D/4D transducers and IVUS probes, though these comprise just under 10% of total shipments. Geographic adoption is shifting: North America holds 40.8% of the global market share. Europe accounts for around 25%, with rising interest in telehealth imaging integration. Asia-Pacific, comprising 30% of shipments, sees a 50% increase in probe counts in India and China since 2021, driven by infrastructure investment and rural clinic expansion. In summary, key trends include: high-frequency usage (45% increase), portable probe share (40%), AI integration (30%), linear/convex dominance (~68%), and rising disinfection market value (USD 0.6 billion), all reinforcing dynamics in point-of-care diagnostics, infection control, and imaging breadth.

Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for high-frequency probes.

High-frequency probes (≥ 10 MHz) offer sub-millimeter resolution and are used in 45% more vascular and musculoskeletal procedures than in 2020. Their usage in needle guidance and superficial tissue exams has increased outcomes accuracy by approximately 23%, prompting hospitals to allocate 15–20% more of their imaging budgets toward these probes.

RESTRAINT

Strict sterilization and high-level disinfection protocols.

Compliance with high-level disinfection is mandatory in nearly 75% of OB-GYN and endocavitary procedures. The disinfection market reached USD 0.6 billion in 2023. The need for specialized equipment and trained personnel adds 10–15% per-procedure cost, limiting adoption by smaller clinics in low-income regions, especially where infection rates still exceed 10% without proper sterilization.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of portable and wireless point-of-care probes.

Point-of-care ultrasound usage increased by 50% in emergency departments between 2020 and 2023. Portable probes reached USD 4.72 billion in market value in 2023. The integration of AI-assisted diagnostics has boosted device utility by 30%, creating opportunity for devices in remote and low-resource settings, where probe counts rose by 20%.

CHALLENGE

Technical limitations for deep-tissue imaging.

High-frequency probes excel in superficial imaging but underperform in deep tissue diagnostics due to limited penetration. This restricts their application, especially in obese or atheletic patients. Fewer than 15% of cardiovascular imaging procedures now use high-frequency probes, with phased array devices still preferred for deeper anatomical access. This imbalance complicates procurement decisions and slows adoption in full-service imaging centers.

Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Segmentation

Market segmentation by type and application illustrates product differentiation. Probe types and major applications—OB‑GYN, urology, vascular/nervous, renal/digestive, musculoskeletal, and other—cover 95% of global usage. End-users include hospitals (50%), diagnostic centers (30%), and ambulatory surgical centers (20%).

By Type

Linear Type: Worldwide shipments reached USD 1.2 billion in 2023, with two thirds being high-frequency units (≥ 10 MHz) used in vascular and musculoskeletal exams.
Convex Type: Comprises approximately 34% of transducer shipments, used in abdominal and OB‑GYN scanning at 2.5–7.5 MHz and in 3D mode (~3.5–6.5 MHz).
Phased Array Type: Represents ~15% of shipments, mainly cardiac and transcranial imaging with 2–6 MHz probes.
Endocavitary Type: Accounts for 10–12% of shipments, frequency range 3.5–11.5 MHz, primarily vaginal and rectal scans.
Others: Including pencil Doppler and IVUS probes, represent roughly 5–10% of units, used in blood flow and intravascular assessments.

By Application

OB‑GYN: Convex, endocavitary and 3D probes contribute over 65% of probe use in maternity clinics.
Urology: Endocavitary probes comprise 10% of unit volume, used in prostate and bladder exams.
Vascular & Nervous: Linear probes hold 45% share here, due to high-resolution needs.
Renal/Digestive: Convex probes (≥ 3.5 MHz) make up around 35% of imaging devices.
Musculoskeletal: High-frequency linear probes (≥ 10 MHz) account for 30% of utilization.
Other: Phased array probes used in cardiac and emergency imaging represent 15%.

Medical Ultrasound Probe Market Regional Outlook

Global region performance shows North America leading with 40.8% of market share and over 72,000 ultrasound systems; strong hospital procurement and regular probe replacement cycles dominate market supply. Europe follows at 25%, supported by telehealth networks and hospital imaging upgrades. Asia-Pacific holds approximately 30%, driven by infrastructure investment and rural outreach in China and India, which added an estimated 20,000 probes to facilities between 2021–2024. Middle East & Africa represent the remaining 4–5%, yet saw a 15% rise in portable probe purchases in emerging clinics. Market dynamics vary by region, influenced by healthcare policies, urban-rural device distribution, and infrastructure support.

North America

accounting for 40.8% of global market share, maintains over 72,000 deployed ultrasound systems and USD 3.85 billion in probe-related device sales as of 2024. Hospitals replace probes every 4–5 years. Disinfection revenues approached USD 0.25 billion regionally. Portable probe uptake surged by 20% since 2021, largely due to emergency department demand and telehealth growth.

Europe

accounts for 25–26% of shipments, supported by government-backed telemedicine funding. Approximately 45,000 ultrasound systems were active in 2023. AI-enhanced probe devices were adopted by 55% of major imaging centers. Probe disinfection kits saw a 30% rise in regulatory demand following revised EU hygiene standards in 2022.

Asia-Pacific

covers around 30% of the global market, with 20,000+ handheld and portable probes added since 2021. Governments in India, China, and Southeast Asia procured over 5,000 OB-GYN probes targeting rural health schemes. Probe shipments grew by 25% year-on-year, logistically supported by domestic manufacturing.

Middle East & Africa

Although only 4–5% of global volume, Middle East & Africa saw portable probe buys up by 15% post‑2021. Urban centers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa procured over 1,200 phased array and wireless probes. Rural clinics in sub‑Saharan Africa added 800 endocavitary units for maternal care, fueled by NGO programs.

List of Top Medical Ultrasound Probe Companies

GE
Philips
Siemens
SonoSite
Canon
Samsung Medison
Hitachi
Esaote
Mindray
SIUI
Shenzhen Ruqi
SonoScape
Jiarui

GE – Holds the highest probe market share (~18%), shipping over 500,000 probes in 2023 across linear, convex, phased array, and wireless handheld categories.

Philips – Second-highest with approximately 15% of market share, distributing more than 420,000 probes in 2023, including 3D/4D and AI-integrated point-of-care models.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The medical ultrasound probe market is witnessing a dynamic shift in investment patterns, driven by rising demand for portable diagnostics, AI-integrated imaging, and infection control compliance. A key area of capital infusion is the development and scaling of wireless and handheld ultrasound probes, which now represent over 40% of global demand. These devices are highly favored in emergency departments and remote clinical settings, with probe adoption in point-of-care applications growing by 50% between 2020 and 2023. Hospitals in North America and Europe have increased their probe procurement budgets by approximately 12%, focusing on high-frequency, AI-enhanced models capable of advanced superficial imaging and real-time diagnostics. In 2023 alone, more than 30% of new probe models launched globally included AI-based automation features that improved diagnostic efficiency by 15–25%. The medical ultrasound probe market is also expanding in emerging economies where healthcare infrastructure development is robust. For example, India, Brazil, and several Southeast Asian countries collectively installed over 6,000 new ultrasound probes in rural clinics between 2021 and 2024, with strong backing from public health schemes. Government tenders in these regions have prioritized convex and endocavitary probes suitable for OB-GYN and abdominal imaging. Portable probe shipments in Asia-Pacific increased by 25% year-on-year, with China and India together accounting for more than 35% of new probe installations in the region. Another key investment opportunity lies in the growing probe disinfection and consumables market, which reached a value of USD 0.6 billion in 2023. More than 75% of procedures involving endocavitary and urology probes now require high-level disinfection, prompting hospitals to invest in automated probe cleaning systems and disposable probe covers.

This demand has increased consumable probe-related supply purchases by 20% annually in developed markets. Additionally, hospitals are adopting probe tracking systems using RFID tags and smart sensors, reducing loss rates by 30–40% and improving operational efficiency. From a manufacturing perspective, companies are investing in flexible substrates and cost-efficient components to reduce production costs by 25%, with over 10,000 units of flexible linear probes shipped in 2023 alone across Asia-Pacific. Investors are also supporting specialized probes such as 3D/4D OB-GYN probes, IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) probes, and hybrid dual-frequency models. These categories represent less than 10% of total probe shipments but are experiencing double-digit growth due to higher accuracy and niche use-cases. Venture capital firms directed over USD 250 million in funding toward ultrasound probe startups in 2023, primarily in North America, aiming to integrate cloud-based image storage and mobile app compatibility. Probe-leasing programs have become more prevalent as hospitals seek to offset rising acquisition costs. Over 10,000 refurbished ultrasound probes were sold on secondary platforms globally in 2023, and leasing schemes allowed healthcare providers to recover 30–40% of capital costs over 36 months. Additionally, regional governments are incentivizing domestic probe manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports. Local production now accounts for 45% of global shipments, up from 35% in 2020, supporting a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain.

New Product Development

New product development in the medical ultrasound probe market is intensifying, with manufacturers focusing on wireless technologies, dual-head designs, AI integration, and enhanced imaging capabilities. In 2023, GE launched the Vscan Air SL, a dual-headed wireless handheld ultrasound probe designed for cardiac and vascular imaging, which was adopted by over 5,000 clinics worldwide within its first six months. Philips introduced a convex probe with embedded AI in June 2024, capable of performing automatic fetal biometry, leading to a 25% reduction in diagnostic time. Siemens released a 12 MHz high-frequency linear probe in early 2024 tailored for vascular imaging, which increased adoption in specialized vascular labs by 22% compared to previous models. Canon introduced a hybrid phased array and endocavitary probe in October 2023, operating between 3 MHz and 11 MHz, which enables both deep-tissue cardiac and pelvic scanning in a single device. This hybrid model was deployed in over 1,000 hospitals globally by Q2 2024. Hitachi addressed infection control by launching a disposable convex probe sheath in April 2024, improving sterilization compliance by 30% and reducing turnover time by 20% in OB-GYN departments.

Esaote unveiled a 4D convex OB-GYN probe in September 2023, capable of delivering real-time volumetric fetal imaging at 40 frames per second, leading to a 15% improvement in early anomaly detection rates in clinical trials. Mindray developed a flexible substrate linear probe in mid-2023 that reduced manufacturing costs by 25% and was distributed in 10,000 units across Asia-Pacific within six months. Samsung Medison’s innovation in December 2023 included embedding RFID tags in probes to enhance traceability and sterilization tracking, which cut probe misplacement incidents by 40% in hospital environments. These innovations reflect a growing emphasis on portability, workflow efficiency, and multipurpose use. Additionally, many of the newly developed probes are being designed with smartphone compatibility and app-based interfaces, particularly in wireless models, which are now used in more than 40% of emergency care settings. The integration of cloud-based storage systems with ultrasound probes is another emerging feature, allowing real-time transmission of scans for remote diagnostics. Collectively, these advancements are transforming the medical ultrasound probe market, making imaging more accessible, faster, and clinically precise. The increasing convergence of hardware miniaturization, software intelligence, and ergonomic improvements is helping healthcare providers enhance diagnostic efficiency by up to 30% across different clinical environments.

Five Recent Developments

GE Vscan Air SL Launch (Aug 2023): Dual-headed wireless handheld probe deployed in 5,000+ ED and cardiac clinics.
Philips AI-embedded Convex Probe (Jun 2024): Automated fetal biometric tools reduced measurement time by 25%.
Siemens 12 MHz Linear Probe (Mar 2024): Enabled vascular labs to boost superficial imaging accuracy by 22%.
Canon Hybrid Probe (Oct 2023): Sold over 1,000 units combining phased array and endocavity functions.
Hitachi Disposable Convex Probe Sheath (Apr 2024): Enhanced sterilization efficiency by 30% and cut handling time by 20%.

Report Coverage of Medical Ultrasound Probe Market

The report on the medical ultrasound probe market offers a comprehensive overview of the industry's structural, technological, and regional dynamics. It analyzes probe types including linear, convex, phased array, endocavitary, and specialized models like IVUS and 3D/4D, which together account for over 95% of the total global shipments. Linear probes are used primarily for vascular and musculoskeletal applications and accounted for approximately 34% of total units shipped globally in 2023. Convex probes dominate obstetric and abdominal imaging, representing over 65% of probe usage in OB-GYN settings. Phased array probes serve the cardiac and transcranial imaging segment with 2–6 MHz frequencies, while endocavitary probes cover vaginal and rectal applications with a frequency range of 3.5–11.5 MHz. The report includes detailed segmentation by application, covering OB-GYN, urology, vascular and nervous system, renal/digestive, musculoskeletal, and general imaging. Hospitals constitute the largest end-user group with over 50% of probe consumption, followed by diagnostic centers (30%) and ambulatory surgical units (20%). It also analyzes the market’s regional footprint, including North America, which hosts over 72,000 active ultrasound systems and holds a market share of approximately 40.8%, Europe with about 25%, Asia-Pacific with 30%, and the Middle East & Africa with a smaller but growing presence, accounting for 4–5% of demand.

The report further covers regulatory and hygiene protocols driving probe disinfection practices, such as the mandatory high-level disinfection applied in over 75% of OB-GYN and endocavitary procedures. The ultrasound probe disinfection market reached a size of USD 0.6 billion in 2023, indicating a growing demand for sterilization consumables and automated reprocessing systems. It also discusses ongoing trends in wireless probe adoption, which now comprises 40% of new probe deployments, as well as innovations such as dual-frequency, hybrid, and AI-integrated transducers. In terms of investment analysis, the report includes data on venture capital inflow exceeding USD 250 million in 2023 for probe manufacturers and startups focused on AI, portability, and mobile compatibility. The emergence of leasing models and secondary market probe refurbishment—estimated at over 10,000 refurbished units sold in 2023—is also documented as a strategic procurement trend. The report benchmarks top manufacturers by unit share and shipment volume, noting GE and Philips as the leading players with a combined market share exceeding 30%. Manufacturing shifts toward local production, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are highlighted, where domestic manufacturing rose from 35% to 45% between 2020 and 2023, improving regional supply chain resilience and pricing flexibility.