Vein Illuminator Market

Vein Illuminator Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

In 2022, the global vein illuminator market generated a revenue of US$ 47.7 million. From 2023 and 2033, the market is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 11.1% and reach a value of US$ 151.8 million by 2033-end.

A vein illuminator utilizes camera-assisted near-infrared (NIR) technology to aid in medical laboratory testing, requiring proper vein selection and invasive cannulation. This technology helps phlebotomists locate veins easily, preventing pre-analytical errors and patient discomfort. Various low-cost prototypes are currently in development, enhancing the effectiveness of this technology in diagnosing venous blood samples.

• Portable vein illuminators occupied a market share of 73% globally in 2022.
• Revenue from vein illuminator sales accounted for 0.9% share of the global vascular access device market in 2022.

Due to issues such as dehydration, obesity, poor vein quality, age-related disorders, and inadequate expertise of staff, medical professionals have difficulties during cannulation. In clinical settings, peripheral difficult venous access (PDVA) is a frequent occurrence that frequently results in ineffective and drawn-out operations that can cause patient anxiety, trauma, subcutaneous bleeding, pain, and severe responses.

• As reported in a 2017 article in the Sensors Journal, intravenous therapy is extensively employed in hospitals, with utilization rates ranging from 90% to 95% among patients. This crucial medical practice facilitates the rapid and efficient administration of fluids and medications. Annually, over 1 billion venipunctures are conducted for purposes such as transfusion, nutrition, dehydration management, electrolyte balance, medication administration, and diagnostic testing.

A vein illuminator device includes a high-power NIR-LED light source, an infrared-sensitive camera, a sensor for real-time picture capturing, and a purifying filter. With wavelengths spanning from 740 nm to 940 nm, the gadget employs reflected light and trans-illumination principles. The light source passes through skin tissue and reaches subcutaneous veins, fat cells, arteries, and nerves. For vein therapy, lasers and light sources with varying wavelengths, such as pulsed dye lasers, are employed.

Which Features of Vein Illuminators Influence Their Adoption Globally?

“Real-Time Imaging and Accurate Results Offered by NIR Technology in Vein Illuminator”

Venipuncture can cause thrombosis, hematoma, and nerve injury in patients. To locate the vein, venipuncture is applied to the antecubital fossa. However, locating the vein is difficult due to factors like skin tone, obesity, and dehydration. Trans-illuminating devices, using near-infrared light-emitting diodes, can visualize superficial veins with hemoglobin-absorbing light, allowing better contrast between skin and vein images.

Venipuncture involves a phlebotomist viewing the vein, which can cause significant variability in laboratory test results due to physiological disturbances and variations in the vein's course. To improve the procedure, modifications such as cleansing the site, allowing drying before applying the tourniquet, and releasing the tourniquet immediately can reduce application time. The patient's vein is the main site for blood specimen collection, medication entry, and blood transfusions, making venipuncture with care and precision crucial.

By detecting invisible veins, near-infrared (NIR) transilluminator-based imaging has been utilized to improve vein therapy. This technique is also utilized for optical imaging of the skin, which assists dermatologists in disease diagnosis and skin treatment. Conditions like aging, peripheral vasoconstriction, poor vein quality, hypotension, drug addiction, chemotherapy, telangiectasia, and inadequate personnel expertise make cannulation difficult. Cannulation step improvements, such as the development of a vein illuminator, attempt to eliminate missing veins during needle insertion.

A vein illuminator gadget employs near-infrared (NIR) technology for real-time peripheral subcutaneous vein imaging, boosting visibility without the need for a tourniquet. Its low-energy reflected light mechanism assures precise and consistent findings, making it an invaluable tool for medical practitioners and students. The device's small size and low power consumption make it ideal for battery-powered devices, which increases demand for these products.

How Can Demand Growth for Vein Illuminators Be Hindered?

“High Cost and Preference for Traditional Methods Limiting Product Adoption in Healthcare Settings”

Vein Illuminators are intended to locate neglected peripheral subcutaneous veins during blood collection or intravenous insertion. However, the high cost of near-infrared (NIR) vein finder devices is a barrier to the adoption of vein illuminators. The cost of commercial vein finders varies from US$ 4,500 for portable devices to US$ 27,000 for non-portable units. These gadgets, which include an optional stand for more practical everyday usage, are not generally used due to the high cost of commercially available devices.

Some healthcare providers still prefer to use traditional methods of vein visualization, such as palpation or inspection, rather than investing in vein illuminators. Further, healthcare providers, clinics, and hospitals often have limited budgets for the equipment, especially in developing economies, and therefore, prioritize lower-cost equipment or supplies over vein illuminators. With factors like price sensitivity and reluctance to invest in a product, vein illuminators are often perceived as expensive, especially when alternative, cheaper solutions are available.

Lack of knowledge and limited experience in operating a vein illuminator can further lead to complicated intravenous (IV) procedures causing discomfort to patients. Failed attempts to properly identify veins may result in repeated needle sticks causing unnecessary bruising, damage to the vein, or other complications. These factors hinder the demand for vein illuminators.

For the commercialization of a vein illuminator device, an increased number of parameters and participants for testing prototypes is required. Thorough training for those doing cannulation with the use of a vein finder is expected to help to alleviate worries.

Country-wise Insights

Why Does the United States Continue to Dominate the Global Market for Vein Illuminators?

“Increasing Hospitalizations Driven by Aging Population Affected by Chronic Diseases”

The United States accounted for 30.6% share of the global market in 2022.

The growing aging populace affected by chronic diseases has significantly fueled hospitalizations in the United States. This turn has created significant demand for vein illuminators owing to their rising applications for IV fluid administration and IV nutritional support across healthcare facilities in the country. Presence of leading players also supports the growth of the vein illuminator market in the United States.

• According to the American Hospital Association's 2023 data, approximately 34 million admissions were recorded in hospitals in the United States in 2022.

How is Demand for Vein Illuminators Shaping Up in China?

“Market Driven by High Prevalence of Thrombosis, Embolism, and Varicose Veins”

China held 9.2% share of the global market in the year 2022.

China has a huge population, which results in a sizable patient pool for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and varicose veins. As a result of valve impairment and superficial venous thromboembolism, individuals with varicose veins and obesity have a greater chance of developing venous thromboembolism, which rises with venipuncture failure. There is significant demand for treatment options due to the high prevalence making China a large market for vein illuminators.

• As per a 2022 study published in SAGE Open Medicine, a survey of 30,712 individuals over the age of 15 in Shanghai revealed an 8.39% prevalence of varicose veins.
• According to a 2011 article in the Thrombosis Journal, the risk of proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is high among individuals in China, with postoperative rates ranging from 17% to 58% and proximal rates ranging from 5.8% to 17.1%. While prophylaxis is generally considered unnecessary in Chinese patients, recent studies have shown a significant incidence of proximal DVT in Asian countries.

What is the Demand Projection for Vein Illuminators in Japan?

“Demand Rising Due to Growing Patient Pool and Presence of Strong Academic and Research Infrastructure”

Japan accounted for 6.1% share of the global market in 2022.

Japan is a medically advanced nation with a strong academic and research infrastructure. Japan's provision of comprehensive healthcare coverage, coupled with more cost-effective and superior medical outcomes compared to other developed nations, has boosted the adoption of advanced medical devices, including vein illuminators. The increasing prevalence of peripheral vasoconstriction and poor vein quality among the patient population, combined with technological advancements, has driven the greater utilization of products like vein illuminators in Japan.

Cannulation is regarded as difficult for a variety of reasons. To name a few, age is one of the major risk factors that makes this surgery challenging.

• According to a 2019 report in Global Health & Medicine, the aging population in Japan is a significant concern, with individuals over the age of 65 accounting for 27.7% of the total population in 2017. This aging trend is projected to increase to 38.4% by 2065. The aging population poses challenges in vascular access, leading to potential complications such as phlebitis, extravasation, bruising, catheter-associated infections, and sepsis, resulting in morbidity.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Portable Vein Illuminators Widely Preferred?

“Extensive Utilization of Portable Vein Illuminators Driving Advancements in Cannulation Procedures and Enhancing Venipuncture Accuracy”

Portable vein illuminators occupied a 73% share of the global market in 2022. The device combines a robotically driven needle, computer vision software, and a near-infrared imaging system inside a portable casing. It guides the needle into a particular vein while scanning the 3D spatial coordinates of subcutaneous veins in real time.

Ideal for medical professionals and students, the device offers a valuable learning resource to enhance knowledge and skills in cannulation procedures. This device is a key tool for improving venipuncture accuracy and safety since it is more useful and reasonably priced than commercially available devices.

Which Technology Accounts for High Revenue Generation in This Space?

“Immediate Vein Localization and Cannulation and Real-time Picture Capture Capabilities of NIR Imaging Devices Driving Their Sales”

By technology, infrared vein illuminators accounted for 60.2% share of the global market in 2022.

Veins may be immediately found and cannulated using a technology that combines NIR imaging using a handheld device, thereby increasing clinical effectiveness. The system uses NIR wavelength light to enhance the contrast of subcutaneous vasculature since it is resistant to tissue scatter and melanin absorption. Real-time picture capturing is accomplished by the gadget using two CMOS sensors with enhanced NIR sensitivity and 12 arrays of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

• A 2013 study published in the Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics demonstrates the application of common optical methods, including a 940 nm band-limited filter, holographic diffusion filters, and NIR polarizers, to enhance the optical isotropy and minimize specular reflection from superficial skin layers.

Competition Landscape

The vein illuminator industry is highly fragmented, with several competitors offering products and services locally. These businesses are using strategies such as enhanced research and development and partnerships to meet patients’ demands and grow their customer base.

Some key market developments in this regard include:

• In June 2023, Merz Aesthetics partnered with AccuVein to distribute AccuVein's AV500 vein visualization device in the United States. The technology reveals superficial veins, bifurcations, and valves, improving placement accuracy and patient satisfaction. The partnership aims to enhance patient experience and safety.
• In June 2023, Mullani, a pioneer of positron emission tomography, received the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award for his inventions DermLite and Veinlite, improving image quality for thousands of patients.

Similarly, the team at Persistence Market Research has tracked recent developments related to companies manufacturing vein illuminators, which are available in the full report.

Vein Illuminator Industry Report Scope

Key Segments of Vein Illuminator Industry Research

Product Type:

• Portable
• Benchtop

Technology:

• Ultraviolet (UV)
• Infrared (IR)
• Ultrasound

End User:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)
• Diagnostic Centers and Path Labs
• Blood Banks

Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

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