Written by
Cranfield, UK, 16th September 2024, Written by Sam Wilson –
The anaesthesia device market is in a state of transformation, driven by advances in healthcare technology, the rise of outpatient surgical centres, and the growing demand for improved clinical efficiency. Despite challenging post-pandemic economic conditions, the market is projected to grow steadily over the coming years, supported by the expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets. After a significant uptick in demand in 2023, the market is forecast to grow moderately in 2024 and 2025, followed by accelerated expansion from 2026 onward. Emerging markets, in particular, are driving demand for low-end and mid-range anaesthesia devices, while high-end products are gaining traction as budgets permit.
This growth is fuelled by several significant trends that are shaping the market. These include the rise of Non-Operating Room Anaesthesia (NORA), the expansion of Ambulatory Surgery Centres (ASCs), technological advancements, and the increasing focus on sustainability and patient safety. However, the market also faces several challenges, including budget constraints, a global shortage of healthcare professionals, and strict regulatory requirements. This insight explores these trends in greater detail and evaluates the market’s outlook considering both opportunities and obstacles.
Non-Operating Room Anaesthesia (NORA): Expanding Beyond the Operating Room
One of the most significant developments in the anaesthesia device market is the growing demand for anaesthesia services outside traditional operating rooms. Known as Non-Operating Room Anaesthesia (NORA), this trend is largely driven by the rise in minimally invasive procedures in settings such as radiology suites, interventional cardiology, and diagnostic imaging facilities. These procedures require precise anaesthesia management without the full surgical infrastructure of an operating room.
NORA has prompted increased demand for portable, compact anaesthesia devices for diverse clinical environments. However, in some cases, older operating room equipment is repurposed for NORA to help address demand. As hospitals and healthcare facilities repurpose older operating room (OR) equipment for NORA procedures, the demand for new solution installations is likely to decrease. In addition, many healthcare systems, especially in emerging markets, prefer to save costs by using refurbished equipment, which can meet the functional requirements of NORA without the significant investment needed for new devices. This directly curtails the growth in sales of newly manufactured devices, particularly in regions that are sensitive to cost constraints. emergence of flexible ORs and the growing complexity of patient cases have brought NORA to the forefront of discussions in recent years. Emerging markets are fundamental in this context, as expanding healthcare infrastructure creates new opportunities for affordable anaesthesia devices in NORA environments.
Ambulatory Surgery Centres (ASCs): Driving Demand for Versatile Anaesthesia Solutions
Ambulatory Surgery Centres (ASCs) have become a critical component of healthcare, offering same-day surgical procedures without hospital admission. The expansion of ASCs is largely due to their ability to deliver high-quality care at a lower cost, making them an attractive option for patients and providers. As healthcare systems shift toward value-based care, ASCs are expected to play a growing role in the future.
The rise of ASCs has increased the demand for low-end and mid-range anaesthesia devices, particularly in more developed markets. These lower-end devices are growing in acceptance and are often able to meet the required functionality for procedures. ASCs require compact, cost-effective machines that can handle various surgical procedures, while maintaining the high standards of care necessary for patient safety.
Emerging markets will become pivotal in driving this trend, as expanding healthcare infrastructure in these regions is leading to the construction of more ASCs. This creates demand for low-end and mid-range anaesthesia devices, with opportunities for high-end products as budgets allow. Moreover, as the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions increases, ASCs are expected to become even more essential, further fuelling demand for advanced anaesthesia care.
Figure 1 – Overview of the market size for Anaesthesia Devices in Ambulatory Surgical Centres
Technological Innovations: Boosting Efficiency in the Anaesthesia Device Market
Technological innovation is one of the primary drivers of growth in the anaesthesia device market, with manufacturers focused on improving clinical efficiency and patient outcomes. The global shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly anaesthesiologists, has amplified the need for greater efficiency. As demand for these professionals outpaces supply, anaesthesia devices that offer enhanced automation and decision-support capabilities are becoming increasingly valuable.
Integrating connectivity and data analytics into anaesthesia devices is one of the most significant technological advancements. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of patient vitals and automated adjustments to anaesthesia delivery, improving safety and optimising resource use in clinical settings. In addition, advancements in software, network connectivity, and electronic health record (EHR) systems are helping healthcare providers streamline workflows and manage patients more efficiently.
The rising demand for personalised medicine is also shaping the development of new anaesthesia devices. Flexible anaesthesia machines tailored to individual patient needs are gaining traction, allowing for more precise dosing and reducing the risk of complications. This trend is particularly notable in most mature markets, where automatic controlled anaesthesia systems have become the standard of care. In contrast, the demand for automated anaesthesia in the U.S. is still evolving. Historically, both the FDA and clinicians expressed resistance to its adoption. However, in 2022, GE HealthCare secured FDA approval for the Aisys system, driving an uptake of the end-tidal control solution throughout 2023. Despite this progress, concerns persist among clinicians regarding broader adoption, primarily due to lingering anxieties about a perceived loss of control.
While these advancements hold significant promise, the market is facing hurdles from strict regulatory requirements that slow the time to market for new devices. Furthermore, protectionist trade policies and localisation efforts in specific regions create market tensions that benefit domestic manufacturers but complicate the global supply chain. Despite these challenges, the push for improved clinical efficiency is expected to drive continued innovation and growth in the anaesthesia device market.
Sustainability and Safety: The Future of Anaesthesia Devices
Sustainability is becoming a significant focus in the anaesthesia device market, driven by advances in automation, environmental concerns, and regulatory pressures. The healthcare industry is increasingly aware of the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases, which contribute to global warming. To address this issue, manufacturers are developing anaesthesia devices and features that minimise volatile anaesthetics and promote low-flow anaesthesia techniques.
Automation is playing a critical role in improving sustainability. Modern anaesthesia devices are equipped with sensors and algorithms that optimise the delivery of anaesthetic gases, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency. In addition, the integration of data analytics is helping healthcare providers monitor and track resource use, allowing for more sustainable practices.
The focus on sustainability is also linked to the broader trend of improving patient safety. Anaesthesia devices are now equipped with advanced monitoring systems that track vital signs and other critical indicators in real time, allowing for quicker responses to potential complications. Closed-loop anaesthesia delivery systems automatically adjust dosages based on patient feedback, reduce the risk of over- or under-dosing and improve overall patient outcomes.
In developed markets such as Western Europe, Australia, and the United States, the sustainability trend is gaining significant traction. Healthcare systems in these regions are increasingly focused on implementing eco-friendly practices and solutions, making sustainability a key consideration in purchasing decisions. Manufacturers that can deliver high-performance, environmentally sustainable anaesthesia devices at competitive prices are well-positioned to capitalise on this rising demand.
Conversely, many emerging regions have yet to prioritise sustainability to the same degree. Their primary focus is on expanding anaesthesia capabilities to keep pace with increasing healthcare demands. In these markets, hospitals prioritise cost-effectiveness and reliability over environmental concerns. The adoption of devices in these regions is driven by practicality and budget constraints rather than a commitment to the global sustainability movement.
The Future Outlook:
Looking ahead, the vendors that can offer the best value BY balancing price, efficiency, and sustainability, will be well-positioned to succeed in the evolving anaesthesia device market. As healthcare systems worldwide adapt to changing needs, the demand for advanced, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly anaesthesia devices will subsequently increase, creating significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
Related Research
Signify Research has recently published its ‘Anaesthesia – World – 2024’ report. This iteration expands on last year’s offering, now including additional country breakouts. The reports provide a data-centric and global outlook of the market. The report blends primary data collected from in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and technology vendors to provide a balanced and objective view of the market.
About The Author
Sam Wilson joined Signify Research in 2023 as a Market Analyst within the Clinical Care team. He brings experience working as an Economist for the Intellectual Property Office, creating strategy reviews and impact evaluations, used to aid government trade negotiations. Sam holds a first-class bachelor’s degree in economics from Loughborough University, where modules included topical issues such as healthcare. Away from the office Sam enjoys staying active with dog walks, football and cricket, and his interest in volunteering took him on a charity visit to Ethiopia.
About the Clinical Care Team
The clinical care team provides market intelligence and detailed insights on the clinical care equipment and IT markets. Our areas of coverage include patient monitoring, diagnostic cardiology, infusion pumps, ventilators, anaesthesia devices, and high-acuity IT. Our reports provide a data-centric and global outlook of each market with granular country-level insights. Our research process blends primary data collected from in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and technology vendors, to provide a balanced and objective view of the market.
About Signify Research
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