PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1496066
PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1496066
In 2024, the market is expected to achieve a value of US$ 57 million, further climbing to US$ 135 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%.
Revolutionizing Medical Procedures with Advanced NIR Technology
A vein illuminator employs camera-assisted near-infrared (NIR) technology, which is instrumental in medical laboratory testing that requires precise vein selection and invasive cannulation. This technology significantly aids phlebotomists in locating veins easily, thereby preventing pre-analytical errors and minimizing patient discomfort. The development of various low-cost prototypes is enhancing the effectiveness of this technology in diagnosing venous blood samples.
Challenges such as dehydration, obesity, poor vein quality, age-related disorders, and inadequate expertise of medical staff make cannulation difficult for healthcare professionals. Peripheral difficult venous access (PDVA) is a common issue in clinical settings, often leading to ineffective and prolonged procedures that can cause patient anxiety, trauma, subcutaneous bleeding, pain, and severe reactions.
Increased Utilization in Hospitals
Intravenous therapy is extensively employed in hospitals, with utilization rates ranging from 90% to 95% among patients. This critical 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 typically includes a high-power NIR-LED light source, an infrared-sensitive camera, a sensor for real-time picture capturing, and a purifying filter. Utilizing wavelengths ranging from 740 nm to 940 nm, the device employs reflected light and trans-illumination principles. The light source penetrates skin tissue, reaching subcutaneous veins, fat cells, arteries, and nerves. For vein therapy, lasers and light sources with varying wavelengths, such as pulsed dye lasers, are also employed.
Real-Time Imaging and Accurate Results
Venipuncture can result in complications such as thrombosis, hematoma, and nerve injury in patients. Locating the vein can be challenging due to factors like skin tone, obesity, and dehydration. Trans-illuminating devices that use near-infrared light-emitting diodes can visualize superficial veins, allowing better contrast between skin and vein images.
Near-infrared (NIR) transilluminator-based imaging has improved vein therapy by detecting invisible veins. This technique is also used for optical imaging of the skin, assisting dermatologists in disease diagnosis and skin treatment. Conditions such as aging, peripheral vasoconstriction, poor vein quality, hypotension, drug addiction, chemotherapy, telangiectasia, and inadequate personnel expertise make cannulation difficult. Improvements in cannulation procedures, such as the development of a vein illuminator, aim to eliminate missed veins during needle insertion.
A vein illuminator device employs NIR technology for real-time peripheral subcutaneous vein imaging, enhancing visibility without the need for a tourniquet. Its low-energy reflected light mechanism ensures precise and consistent results, making it an invaluable tool for medical practitioners and students. The device's compact size and low power consumption make it ideal for battery-powered devices, increasing demand for these products.
Challenges to Market Growth
Despite the promising technology, several factors hinder the adoption of vein illuminators. The high cost of near-infrared (NIR) vein finder devices is a significant barrier. 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 practical everyday use, are not widely adopted due to their high cost.
Some healthcare providers prefer traditional methods of vein visualization, such as palpation or inspection, over investing in vein illuminators. Additionally, limited budgets for equipment, especially in developing economies, often lead to the prioritization of lower-cost equipment or supplies over vein illuminators. Price sensitivity and reluctance to invest in these products can also be attributed to a lack of knowledge and limited experience in operating vein illuminators, which may result in complicated intravenous (IV) procedures and patient discomfort.
For the commercialization of vein illuminator devices, an increased number of parameters and participants for testing prototypes are required. Thorough training for personnel using vein finders is expected to help alleviate concerns.
Portable Vein Illuminators Leading the Market
Portable vein illuminators held a dominant 73% share of the global market in 2022. These devices combine a robotically driven needle, computer vision software, and a near-infrared imaging system within a portable casing. They guide the needle into a specific vein while scanning the 3D spatial coordinates of subcutaneous veins in real-time.
Ideal for medical professionals and students, portable vein illuminators offer a valuable learning resource to enhance knowledge and skills in cannulation procedures. These devices are crucial for improving venipuncture accuracy and safety, making them more useful and reasonably priced than commercially available devices.
Technological Advancements Driving Sales
Infrared vein illuminators, accounting for 60.2% share of the global market in 2022, utilize a technology that combines NIR imaging with a handheld device, increasing clinical effectiveness. The system uses NIR wavelength light to enhance the contrast of subcutaneous vasculature, resistant to tissue scatter and melanin absorption. Real-time picture capturing is accomplished using two CMOS sensors with enhanced NIR sensitivity and 12 arrays of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Key Market Players Include
Portable
Ultraviolet (UV)
Hospitals