Laryngoscopes are used to endoscopically insert into the larynx through the mouth or nose to visualize and access the airway during intubation and other procedures. They provide a visual laryngeal examination of the larynx for the detection of infections or abnormalities. The device can also deliver oxygen and medication through intubation.
The global laryngoscope market size was valued at US$700M in 20211. The market for fiberoptic laryngoscopes stood at US$ 100M in 2021 and is expected to reach US$ 1.4B in 2030. The laryngoscope market is driven by increasing demand for advanced laryngoscope devices due to the rising incidence of respiratory and airway disorders, a growing geriatric population, and advancements in technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has also positively impacted the utilization of laryngoscopes as their use was recommended by the HCPs for airway management. Greater demand for minimally invasive procedures has also led to the development of laser and endoscopic laryngoscopy. With a greater focus on patient outcomes by stakeholders such as payers and providers, demand for a minimally invasive laryngoscope with high-grade imaging is anticipated to further drive the overall laryngoscope market size.
There are several innovations driving growth in the laryngoscope market, including the development of video laryngoscopy, which provide a clearer view of the patient’s airway than conventional laryngoscopes. This growth in video laryngoscope trend further helps to avoid intubation failures leading to laryngeal or dental damage, cardiac spasm, and dysrhythmia. This has led to increased adoption of video laryngoscopes in both emergency departments and operating rooms. Additionally, the utilization of fiberoptic technology in laryngoscopes has become more prevalent, as it allows for greater airway visualization and improved access during intubation.
The laryngoscope market offers multiple innovative approaches to viewing, evaluating, and intubating difficult or compromised airways. Disposable laryngoscopes are another market trend, which offers the advantage of not having to be sterilized and cleaned after use. The single-use design to helps to decrease the risk of cross-contamination and can reduce costs. They are also becoming gradually more popular in emergency departments and other care settings where infection control is a major concern.
Portable laryngoscopes are also in demand, particularly in rural or remote areas, or in emergency settings where patients need to be transported. Greater utilization of remote monitoring systems and telemedicine since the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for portable laryngoscopes, which are used to view the airway remotely and transmit images to specialists for consultation. Also, there are other several new innovations in the laryngoscope market that are expected to drive growth in the long term. Some of these include:
- Smart laryngoscopes: Equipped with sensors and other advanced features can provide real-time information and feedback on the patient’s airway. This can help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of intubation, which at present have a high rate of incorrect usage
- 3D/4D imaging technology: 3D and 4D imaging laryngoscopes technology is expected to provide a more detailed and accurate view of the airway, reduce complication risk, and improve intubation success rates
- Artificial intelligence-based laryngoscopes: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to analyze data from laryngoscopes and other medical devices. The device uses machine learning to identify key areas of the patient’s anatomy, helping out the operator to the right path. This can help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of intubation and other procedures and reduce the risk of complications
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Assisted laryngoscopes: The utilization of VR/AR technology in laryngoscopy for better visualization is expected to rise with the integration of VR/AR training modules in the medical program
These innovations are expected to drive growth in the laryngoscopes market and improve patient outcomes in the coming years. Earlier market entrants are outlined below.
The Laryngoscope market report reveals several drivers that will influence the market’s future direction. One of the key reasons anticipated to boost the laryngoscopes market is the growing prevalence of infections, laryngeal cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. In 2020, ~100,000 people died of laryngeal cancer globally. Specifically in the US, there were ~12,000 new patients and ~4000 deaths due to laryngeal cancer in 2020. Overall, the future scenario for laryngoscope procedures is promising, with the continued development of novel technologies and techniques that focus on improving patient outcomes and making the procedures more efficient and less invasive
The Laryngoscope market report which covers laryngoscope market trends & forecasts foresees an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% until 20301 in the global laryngoscope market segment. This market segment is primarily being driven by product advancements as well as improved accessibility of video laryngoscopy. Video laryngoscopy is quickly displacing the traditional laryngoscope as it results in more successful intubations in a relatively smaller period of time than traditional laryngoscopy. The continuous advancements in technology are likely to further improve the visualization of vocal cords and the larynx, making the procedure more efficient and accurate while also reducing the risk of complications. Companies seeking to enter the laryngoscope market should consider life science consultancy and medical device consultants early in the development phase to fully understand market opportunities and competitive landscapes
Recent Laryngoscope Innovations Launched
| Device | Company | Launched | Device Information |
| Optima View laryngoscope system | Timesco Basildon, Essex, United Kingdom | 2023 | · Designed to offer crystal clear color-correct output using a high-resolution, wide-angle integrated camera and video display monitor · The 3.75” LCD display rotates 180 degrees and tilts 110 degrees, allowing for easy viewing · HDMI connectivity and a quick data transfer via USB · Available as reusable or single-use systems with Macintosh blades |
| Airtraq SP Video Laryngoscopy | Prodol Meditec, S.A. Las Arenas, Spain | 2023 | · Wireless reusable fiberoptic system; Disposable laryngoscope blade protects the optic system from patient contact; Only one optical system required, reducing cost per intubation · VL is used for remote locations and emergencies; fully portable and disposable, used in neonates and adults |
| MetalMax+ Combi 50 | Proact Medical Northamptonshire, UK | 2022 | · Disposable laryngoscope MetalMax+ Combi 50 was launched in EU market, featuring a soft grip handle, LED illumination, built-in alkaline battery and offering high scores on reliability and clinical function |
| Penlon MRI Green System Laryngoscope | Penlon Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| 2021 | · Provides clinicians with the ability to safely intubate patients in a static magnetic field up to 1000 gauss/cm · The new range of laryngoscopes includes Macintosh, Miller and new Robertshaw and Seward blade patterns, and uses alkaline battery technology |
| NK AWS-200 Video Laryngoscope | Nihon Kohden Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan | 2020 | · Video Laryngoscope offering a significantly shorter median time to intubation in difficult airways · Video laryngoscope includes a high-definition color LCD screen and on-screen crosshairs to guide clinicians of all skill levels through an intubation. · Reduce the exposure to aerosolized particles ii, which can help protect clinicians while intubating patients of COVID-19 · Clinicians can intubate even difficult airways in 22.9 seconds v, well below the 30-second threshold recommended for intubations · Sterile NK PBLADE® disposable blades, which prevents cross contamination |
| Vie Scope | Adroit Surgical Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 2019 | · Direct laryngoscope in a self-contained, battery powered, scope that takes advantage of a closed circular tube with a beveled end to visualize the vocal cords · Provides the best illumination of the target tissue with minimal chance of light obstruction by secretions or blood |
| Rhino-laryngoscopes, ENF-VH2 and V4 | Olympus Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan | 2019 | · The slim and lightweight devices are intended for laryngological examinations specifically · Video capability to ensure better visualization during ENT procedures · More linear insertion relative to the patient, to minimize friction between the scope and the mucosa · Devices illuminate a wide area and show detailed, high-resolution images in the field of view. |
| CoPilot VL+ video laryngoscope | Dilon Technologies Newport News, Virginia, United States | 2018 | · Larger, brighter, higher resolution display along with powerful LEDs to help the user obtain a better view of the airway · Compact and portable, which makes it ideal for every medical setting · The new and improved disposable sheaths feature an anti-fog coating and a smaller footprint which allow for more room to manipulate the endotracheal tube |
| Inscope Direct | Inscope New Albany, Indiana, United States
| 2017 | · A disposable laryngoscope that allows clinicians to maintain a clear view of the airway · Integrated suction removes secretions allowing a clear view of vocal cords for easy placement of the endotracheal tube · The device features a built-in LED light source and an anti-clog design with two controllable suction inlets |
| GlideScope Go | Verathon Seattle, Washington | 2017 | · Video laryngoscope with durable, portable, high-resolution system for clinicians in hospital and pre-hospital settings · Features a scratch-resistant 3.5″ color display with anti-glare coating and a wide field of view · Spectrum blades are fully disposable to help reduce cross-contamination and aid in the infection control efforts |
Selected earlier market entrants are outlined in the table below.
| Device | Company | Launched | Device Information |
| Standard (Lamp) Laryngoscope Systems | Hillrom Chicago, Illinois | NA | · Standard laryngoscope with reduce weight to improve balance · Easily converted from lamp to fiber-optic illuminations |
| McGRATH MAC Video Laryngoscope | Medtronic Dublin, Ireland | 2012 | · Video Laryngoscope (VL) with better subglottic visualization than traditional direct laryngoscopy · Reduced airway complications · Less hemodynamic stimulation than DL and certain VL |
| C-MAC video laryngoscope | Karl Storz, GmbH Tuttlingen, Germany | 2008 | · Fiberoptic and digital video laryngoscopes · Flexible monitor allows physicians to secure the airway under view and capture pictures and video in real time · Disposable configurations use a one-piece handle and blade thereby reducing chances of cross-contamination |
| Glidescope video laryngoscope
| Verathon, Inc. Seattle, Washington | 2001 | · Became first commercially available digital video laryngoscope in 2001 · Wide array of product configurations in portfolio: rigid/non-rigid, single/multi-use, portable/non-portable · GlideScope with BFlex delivers dual bronchoscopy and video laryngoscopy imaging for difficult airway management |
| King Vision video laryngoscope | Ambu A/S Ballerup, Denmark | 2011 | · Small, portable digital laryngoscope with a new light source and optics in every disposable blade · Standard blade requires a stylet to direct the endotracheal tube · Channeled blade directs the endotracheal tube through the blade |
| Rüsch Single-Use Laryngoscopes | Teleflex, Inc. Wayne, Pennsylvania | 2013 | · Offer the weight and feel of a reusable blade with the convenience of a single-use blade · Standard Single-Use Blades also eliminate the hassles of reusable blades, including the time and cost of reprocessing, without sacrificing strength or light quality. |
| Vie Scope | Adroit Surgical, LLC Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 2016 | · Introduced in 2016 · Non-video, non-rigid, single-use laryngoscope designed for trauma situations · Gives user a straight line of sight view through a hollow, illuminated, circular blade to allow endotracheal tube insertion through the device |
- https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/laryngoscopes-market
- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/video-laryngoscope-market-A17524
- https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/laryngoscope-global-market-report
- https://ukhealthcarepavilion.com/articles/innovative-gas-sampling-lines-and-single-use-laryngoscopes-launched-to-european-market-at-medica-2022/