Computed Tomography Market By Technology (High-end Slice, Mid-end Slice, Low-end Slice, and Cone Beam), By Application (Oncology, Cardiology, Vascular, Neurology, Musculoskeletal, and Others), By End-use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, and Others), by Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Computed Tomography Market size is expected to be worth around USD 9.1 Billion by 2033, from USD 4.4 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Computed Tomography (CT) is a sophisticated imaging technique that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body using X-ray technology. Unlike traditional X-rays, which offer only a single view, CT scans compile multiple X-ray images taken from different angles to create a comprehensive 3D representation of internal structures.

This advanced method enables clinicians to visualize organs, bones, and tissues with high precision, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. CT scans are invaluable in emergency medicine, oncology, and surgery, providing rapid and detailed insights into conditions such as tumors, internal bleeding, and fractures.

The computed tomography (CT) market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in imaging technology and increasing demand for accurate diagnostic tools. Key drivers include the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions, which necessitate detailed imaging for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Technological innovations, such as high-resolution scanners and artificial intelligence integration, further boost market expansion by enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency. However, the risk of radiation exposure and the availability of alternative imaging modalities may hamper the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the development of portable and low-radiation devices, which offer enhanced accessibility and safety will create lucrative growth opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Based on technology, the high-end slice segment dominates the global Computed Tomography Market by capturing a notable market share of 34.2%.
• Based on application, the oncology segment dominates the market by capturing a major share of 26.80% of the market.
• Based on end use, the market is overshadowed by the hospital segment holds 38% market share in 2023.
• Rising prevalence of chronic diseases boosted the growth of computed tomography market globally.
• Risk of radiation exposure to the patients and availability of alternative imaging modalities is likely to impede the market growth.
• North America leads the global Computed Tomography Market, and holds 33.4% market share in 2023, while fastest growth is anticipated by Asia-Pacific region.

Technology Analysis

In 2023, the high-end slice CT segment led the market, accounting for 34.20% of the revenue. High-end slice technology reduces radiation exposure by 80% compared to mid-end slice technology (64 slices) and provides a 16 cm imaging area for accurate technique. These scanners are ideal for patients with arrhythmia, pediatric patients who move more during scans, and obese individuals.

They cover a larger area and scan faster, with some models like the Siemens 700 Slice capable of scanning the entire body in 0.3 seconds per rotation, enabling customized solutions and real-time imaging. A 320-slice scanner offers a 16 cm imaging area in one rotation. Patients do not need to hold their breath, enhancing comfort, especially for children.

Cone Beam, on the other hand, is expected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period due to its versatility and efficiency in various medical fields. Unlike traditional CT scanners, CBCT provides high-resolution, 3D imaging with lower radiation doses, making it ideal for dental, orthopedic, and ENT applications.

For example, in dental practices, CBCT enables detailed visualization of bone structures and teeth, assisting in precise implant planning and diagnosis of complex conditions. Its compact size and cost-effectiveness also make it an attractive option for smaller clinics and practices. The technology’s ability to produce clear images quickly with minimal radiation is driving its adoption, as it enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. This trend suggests a growing demand for CBCT in both specialized and general medical settings, contributing to its rapid market growth.

Application Analysis

Based on application, the global computed tomography market is broadly classified into oncology, cardiology, vascular, neurology, musculoskeletal, and other applications. Oncology segment occupied a larger market revenue share of 26.80%, dominating the market in the year 2023. This dominance is attributed to the crucial role CT imaging plays in cancer diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. For example, CT scans are vital for detecting tumors, assessing their size and location, and evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. In oncology, high-resolution CT can provide detailed images of tumors, helping oncologists make informed decisions about surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Additionally, CT scans are used to track disease progression and recurrence, offering critical insights that guide patient management. The ability to rapidly obtain detailed cross-sectional images of cancerous tissues and surrounding structures makes CT an indispensable tool in oncology, driving its significant market share and continued growth in this application.

The cardiology segment is projected to register the fastest growth rate in the Computed Tomography (CT) market during the forecast period. This surge is driven by advancements in cardiac CT technology, which provides detailed imaging of the heart and blood vessels, crucial for diagnosing coronary artery disease, assessing cardiac function, and planning interventions.

For instance, advanced CT scanners offer high-resolution images of coronary arteries, enabling precise evaluation of blockages and atherosclerosis. This capability enhances early detection and treatment of cardiovascular conditions, improving patient outcomes. Additionally, innovations like coronary CT angiography and reduced radiation doses make cardiac CT more attractive to healthcare providers, fueling rapid adoption and growth in the cardiology segment.

End User Analysis

In 2023, hospitals held a dominant market position in the End-User Segment of the Computed Tomography Market, capturing more than a 38% share. This significant portion is driven by the increasing reliance on advanced diagnostic technologies for accurate and rapid patient assessments. Hospitals are leveraging these systems to enhance patient throughput and improve diagnostic accuracy, supporting the growth in this segment.

Diagnostic centers also play a crucial role in the computed tomography market. They accounted for a substantial market share, driven by their accessibility and the growing demand for outpatient care services. These centers offer quick and efficient imaging solutions, which are vital for the early detection and management of various health conditions.

Other end-users, including specialized clinics and research facilities, contribute to market diversity. These segments are exploring the use of computed tomography for advanced research and specialized treatments. Their adoption rates are expected to grow, influenced by technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence in imaging processes.

Overall, the computed tomography market is expanding across all end-user segments. Hospitals remain at the forefront, but diagnostic centers and other sectors are also showing promising growth. This trend reflects the increasing importance of advanced diagnostic tools in healthcare.

Key Market Segments

By Technology

• High-end Slice
• Mid-end Slice
• Low-end Slice
• Cone Beam

By Application

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Vascular
• Neurology
• Musculoskeletal
• Others

By End User

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Centers
• Others

Drivers

Rising prevalence of chronic diseases

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases significantly drives the growth of the global computed tomography (CT) market. Chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory disorders often require regular and precise imaging for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management.

• According to National Health Council, approximately 157 million of people are suffering from chronic disease that is rising the adoption of medical imaging, thus leading to the market growth.

This rising number necessitates the demand for early diagnosis to head towards the treatment of disease. Further, as the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to rise, healthcare providers increasingly rely on CT imaging for comprehensive disease management. This growing need for precise diagnostic tools drives the expansion of the CT market, reflecting its crucial role in modern healthcare.

• According to national Institute of Health, the number of computed tomography (CT) examination is increasing by 4% per year worldwide, for a total of approximately 300 million of CT scans per year.

Technological Advancements

Continuous advancements in CT technology, such as multi-detector CT (MDCT), dual-energy CT (DECT), and spectral CT, are driving market growth by significantly enhancing image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Multi-detector CT uses multiple rows of detectors to capture numerous slices simultaneously, enabling rapid and high-resolution imaging crucial for detailed evaluations in trauma cases or cardiac assessments.

Dual-energy CT, exemplified by Siemens’ DECT scanners, offers a sophisticated approach by utilizing two different energy levels of X-rays. This technology provides optimized scanning with automated results, allowing for the visualization, characterization, and quantification of various materials. For instance, Siemens DECT scanners have ability to differentiate between types of tissues and materials, such as distinguishing between uric acid and calcium in kidney stones, thus improving diagnostic precision and treatment planning.

Spectral CT further enhances diagnostic capabilities by capturing multiple energy levels in a single scan, which allows for more detailed tissue characterization and better detection of subtle lesions. Collectively, these technological advancements improve diagnostic accuracy, drive the adoption of CT imaging, and contribute to the growing expansion of the CT market.

Restraints

Availability of Alternative Imaging Modalities

While computed tomography (CT) offers detailed imaging and rapid results, alternatives like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound can limit its adoption for certain indications. MRI, for instance, excels in providing high-resolution images of soft tissues without ionizing radiation. It is particularly beneficial for neurological, musculoskeletal, and soft tissue evaluations. For example, MRI is the preferred method for imaging brain tumors, spinal cord abnormalities, and joint injuries due to its superior contrast for soft tissue differentiation. This capability can reduce the need for CT scans in these cases.

Similarly, ultrasound is a valuable alternative for specific applications, such as monitoring fetal development during pregnancy or assessing certain abdominal conditions. Ultrasound is non-invasive, radiation-free, and cost-effective, making it ideal for evaluating conditions like gallbladder inflammation or guiding biopsies.

For instance, in obstetrics, ultrasound provides real-time imaging to monitor fetal health without exposing the fetus to radiation, making it the modality of choice over CT scans. While CT remains a crucial tool in many diagnostic scenarios, these alternatives offer distinct advantages that can limit CT’s use, particularly in cases where radiation exposure is a concern or where soft tissue imaging specialized is required.

Risk of Radiation Exposure

CT scans involve ionizing radiation, which raises significant health concerns, particularly with repeated exposure over time. Ionizing radiation has the potential to damage cellular DNA, increasing the risk of developing cancer and other radiation-induced health issues. This risk is particularly concerning for patients who require frequent scans or for sensitive populations such as children and pregnant women.

For example, children are more susceptible to radiation-induced damage due to their rapidly dividing cells and longer life expectancy, which increases their risk of developing cancer from repeated exposures. The potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation can hamper the growth of the CT market as both patients and healthcare providers seek to minimize radiation exposure. This concern has led to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures aimed at optimizing scan protocols and reducing radiation doses.

Opportunities

Integration with AI and Machine Learning

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into computed tomography (CT) technology is set to create lucrative growth opportunities for the global CT market. AI and ML algorithms can enhance CT imaging by automating and optimizing various aspects of the imaging process, including image acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. For instance, development of AI-driven tools can significantly improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy by reducing artifacts, enhancing contrast, and identifying subtle abnormalities that might be missed by the human eye.

Further, Machine learning models can also assist in predicting patient outcomes and personalizing treatment plans by analyzing large datasets of imaging and clinical information. For example, AI algorithms analyze CT scans to detect early signs of diseases like cancer or cardiovascular conditions, providing timely insights that lead to earlier interventions and better patient outcomes.

Additionally, AI also can streamline workflows by automating routine tasks, reducing radiologists’ workload, and allowing them to focus on more complex cases. Therefore, the incorporation of AI and ML into CT technology not only enhances diagnostic precision and efficiency but also offers potential cost savings and improved patient care. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are likely to drive substantial growth in the global CT market, reflecting their transformative impact on medical imaging.

Trends

Portable and Compact CT Scanners

The increasing demand for portable and compact CT scanners is significantly shaping the global CT market, particularly for point-of-care diagnostics and emergency settings. These mobile systems provide rapid and accurate imaging in diverse and often challenging environments, such as bedside assessments in critical care units or during emergency situations. Portable CT scanners offer the advantage of immediate diagnostic capabilities without the need to transport patients, which is crucial for timely decision-making and treatment.

Hybrid Imaging Technologies: Hybrid imaging technologies are revolutionizing the global computed tomography (CT) market by combining CT with other imaging modalities to enhance diagnostic capabilities. One prominent example is PET/CT, which merges positron emission tomography (PET) with CT imaging, providing both functional and anatomical information in a single scan. This integration improves accuracy in detecting and staging cancers, assessing treatment responses, and planning interventions.

Focus on Low-Dose CT

The focus on low-dose CT is a key trend in the global computed tomography market, driven by the need to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Advances in technology, such as iterative reconstruction techniques and dose-modulation algorithms, have enabled the reduction of radiation doses without compromising image quality.

Low-dose CT is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as children and patients requiring frequent scans. For instance, low-dose CT protocols are increasingly used in lung cancer screening programs to reduce the risk of radiation-induced cancer while still provide critical diagnostic information.

Impact of Macroeconomic factors

Macroeconomic factors significantly influence the global computed tomography (CT) market, affecting its growth and dynamics in various ways. Economic conditions, such as GDP growth and healthcare spending, directly impact the demand for CT imaging technologies. In times of economic prosperity, increased healthcare budgets often lead to greater investments in advanced imaging equipment, enhancing market growth.

Conversely, during economic downturns, budget constraints may lead to reduced spending on new technology and maintenance, potentially slowing market expansion. Exchange rates also play a role, especially in the context of international trade and the global supply chain. Fluctuations in currency can affect the cost of importing and exporting CT equipment, influencing market prices and accessibility.

Moreover, demographic shifts, such as aging populations in developed countries, drive demand for diagnostic imaging due to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases. Additionally, government policies and healthcare reforms, including those related to medical reimbursements and imaging guidelines, can either promote or restrict the adoption of CT technologies. Overall, macroeconomic factors shape the global CT market by influencing investment patterns, technological adoption, and the overall demand for diagnostic imaging services.

Regional Analysis

North America Accounted for the Largest Revenue Share in Computed Tomography Market in 2023

North America is at the forefront of Computed Tomography Market, dominating the market capturing a huge market revenue share of 33.4% in the year 2023. The notable growth of the region is highly attributed to rising healthcare expenditure by people combined with the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure.

• According to National Health Expenditure data published by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services, healthcare services in United States has grew by 4.6% in 2018 and reached to the USD 3.6 trillion of the USD 11,172 per person.
• According to nations’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) healthcare spending account for nearly 18% of the total GDP.

Asia-Pacific on the other side, is projected to register second most rapidly growing region, owing to the presence of large patient population that are undiagnosed for the critical diseases, rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization and scaling recognition related to early diagnosis or chronic diseases. In addition to this, the region witnessed huge growth by virtue of rapid adoption of various medical imaging technologies in the region.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Netherland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Competitive Landscape

The global computed tomography (CT) market is characterized by intense competition among leading companies, each bringing advanced technology and innovations to the forefront. Major players include GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens Healthcare Private Limited, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, and other major players. These companies dominate with their extensive product portfolios and global reach. Siemens Healthcare, for instance, recently launched the Naeotom Alpha, a photon-counting CT scanner, in November 2021.

This cutting-edge technology, cleared for clinical use in the U.S. and Europe, enhances image quality and precision. Similarly, Royal Philips introduced the Spectral CT 7500 in May 2021, utilizing spectral detector technology for improved diagnostic accuracy and precision. Other notable competitors include NeuroLogica Corp, Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd., Fujifilm Holdings Corp, Koning Health, Carestream Dental LLC, Planmeca Oy, and Stryker.

These companies contribute to the market with innovations in portable and compact CT systems, low-dose imaging, and hybrid technologies. The competitive landscape is further driven by ongoing advancements in imaging technologies, such as AI integration and hybrid imaging systems, which enhance diagnostic capabilities and operational efficiencies across diverse healthcare settings.

Market Key Players

• GE HealthCare
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Siemens Healthcare Private Limited
• CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
• NeuroLogica Corp
• Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., LTD
• Fujifilm Holdings Corp
• Koning Health
• Carestream Dental LLC.
• PLANMECA OY
• Stryker

Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Trivitron Healthcare revealed plans to introduce made-in-India CT and MRI systems during the fiscal year 2022-23. These systems, designed for both domestic (Indian) and international markets, aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities in remote areas due to their advanced features, affordability, and portability.
• In April 2022, Wipro GE Healthcare unveiled its next-generation Revolution Aspire CT scanner. This advanced imaging system is designed and manufactured entirely in India at Wipro GE’s new Medical Devices Manufacturing plant, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
• In April 2022, Siemens announced the launch of a new production line in Bengaluru, India, dedicated to manufacturing CT scanners. This move is part of Siemens’ strategy to expand its footprint in the Indian market and enhance local production capabilities.

Report Scope