Written by
Cranfield, UK, 17th June 2024 –
In 2023, the CT equipment market witnessed a 3.2% decline in revenue year-over-year. This was primarily attributed to Chinese anti-corruption measures, market saturation in developed regions, and ongoing economic pressures on healthcare providers. Unit shipments reached over 14,400 in 2023 and are set to exceed 18,000 by 2028. Healthcare providers are grappling with workforce shortages, underscoring the need for more streamlined workflows to manage the increasing backlog of CT procedures. Recent updates to cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) guidelines foster investment in premium technologies, with new vendor product launches also focused on this application. Furthermore, lung cancer screening is expected to boost the adoption of mobile CT systems, improving accessibility and catering to the needs of underserved communities.
The mid-term outlook is looking favourable, with the anticipation of new entrants in the photon-counting CT market from 2025 onwards. This influx is expected to drive a transformative shift in an already lucrative sector by fostering competitive pricing and further commercialising the technology.
A market rebound in China, projected for 2025 due to pent-up demand, is set to significantly impact the CT market, particularly benefiting Chinese CT vendors. This is a clear sign of the market’s potential for growth and recovery.
CT market set for a clinical shake-up
Greater adoption of premium CT technology is being driven by changes in U.S. reimbursement and the release of guidelines for the use of CT as a front-line tool for chest pain. With these developments, it is expected that hospitals will receive increased funding and investment resources. Additionally, a rise in cardiac CTA procedures is expected, both in community hospitals and in private settings. With CT being the first-line primary screening tool for chest pains, there will be a growing need for coronary examinations to be performed in both inpatient and outpatient facilities. More patients are receiving cardiac calcium scores using cardiac CTA. Reimbursement changes that are currently pending in Germany will also uplift the premium CT market. CT vendors have responded to advancements in coronary CTA by launching innovative products centred on this application, including Siemens Pro Pulse, Canon’s Aquilion ONE and GE HealthCare’s Revolution Apex.
Lung cancer screening is also gaining momentum in Europe, with an increasing number of countries successfully implementing pilot studies and programs. However, concerns about overdiagnosis, false positives, and the strain that widespread screening could place on healthcare systems remain. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the success of lung cancer screening initiatives. Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in interpreting screening scans, helping to alleviate workforce constraints and improve accuracy.
In January 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released new guidelines in the U.S. targeting high-risk individuals with a history of smoking, regardless of when they quit. These guidelines also relaxed the criteria for the amount of smoking required for consideration and expanded the age ranges for screening, aligning with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations from 2021.
Due to increased installations of CT equipment during COVID-19, the existing installed base of CT scanners is expected to be sufficient for lung cancer screening in the near term, with a surplus in some hospitals. The primary technical requirement for lung cancer screening is ultra-low dose CT technology. However, in the U.S., demand for mobile CT solutions is expected to rise, improving access for rural communities, and encouraging participation in screening programs.
Other clinical applications shifting the needle in CT procedures include oncology, particularly for radiotherapy planning and monitoring tumour activity during treatment. PCCT is also predicted to play a pivotal role in visually representing tumours and tumour-feeding vessels.
The imminent photon counting revolution
Growth in the Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT)market is expected to accelerate, particularly between 2026 and 2028, as more vendors enter the field. Currently, Siemens Healthineers is the sole commercial provider, with an estimated 100 to 125 installations to date. To make the technology more affordable, Siemens Healthineers plans to introduce a single-source PCCT scanner by the end of 2024. Canon Medical has installed three prototypes of it’s PCCT scanner, though the official launch date has not yet been confirmed. Philips is projected to enter the market between 2027 and 2028, while GE HealthCare currently has its Generation III prototype in three facilities. United Imaging is rapidly developing its PCCT technology with the support of a grant from the Chinese government.
Several clinical subspecialties, including cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and musculoskeletal radiology, are anticipated to be early adopters of PCCT, with cardiovascular imaging being the most significant application. However, the lack of dedicated reimbursement for PCCT remains a significant barrier to investment, as potential investors are concerned about the return on investment
AI-empowered workflows tackle workforce shortages
AI-empowered workflows, one-click examinations, and automation features are essential for optimising the scanning process, generating reports, and ensuring consistent patient outcomes, regardless of technician experience. This is becoming increasingly more essential amid current workforce shortages. Key applications of on-device AI, such as AI-enabled camera-based workflows and intelligent protocoling, mitigate the impact of these shortages and enable less experienced technicians to perform complex cardiac CTA scans. As patient volumes and scan frequencies increase, healthcare providers seek CT technology that deliver faster scan times, enhanceg operational efficiency and maximise return on investment. Subsequently, AI-based solutions, including advanced image processing algorithms and motion artefact correction tools, are increasingly deployed in CT imaging to reduce the need for rescans.
Future outlook
The convergence of expanding clinical opportunities and the current pace of technological innovation positions the CT market for mid-single-digit growth through 2028. An increasing number of CT vendors entering the PCCT landscape will heighten competition and accelerate adoption, potentially disrupting the market. Chinese vendors are aggressively expanding domestically and globally, posing a growing threat to established global players. With the clinical relevance of cardiac CTA gaining more global recognition, the premium CT market is poised for optimistic growth, while the low-end CT market shows signs of contraction. Given budget constraints and restrictions, healthcare providers also prioritise warranty extensions and better integration between equipment purchases and after-sales services and support. The expected lifespan of CT systems remains a crucial factor in purchasing decisions.
Related Research
CT Equipment – World – 2024
The third edition of Signify Research’s “CT Equipment Market—World—2024” report builds on its 2023 edition. It provides a data-centric and global outlook of the market. The report blends primary data collected from in-depth interviews with CT vendors to provide a balanced and objective view of the market.
About The Author
Bhvita joined Signify Research in 2020 as part of the Medical Imaging Team, focusing on the X-ray market. Prior to joining, she brought with her 4 years of experience covering X-ray, MRI, and CT research at IHS Markit. She received her bachelor’s degree with honours in Biology and Psychology from Aston University.
About the Medical Imaging Team
Signify Research’s Medical Imaging team formulates expert market intelligence for some of the leading Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray vendors. Combining primary data collection and in-depth discussions with industry stakeholders, our thorough research approach yields credible quantitative and qualitative analysis, helping our customers make critical business decisions with confidence. Furthermore, our commitment to seeking a plurality of perspectives across the markets we cover guarantees that our insights remain independent and balanced.
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