1. What are surgical microscopes?
Surgical microscopes allow surgeons to view the small and delicate structures on which they are operating. Essentially these play a crucial role in microsurgery. Physicians developed microsurgery as a means to visualize smaller blood vessels and nerves. Otolaryngologists initially used surgical microscopes in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries, and over time surgical microscopes usage has grown. There has been an increase in image-guided procedures (IGS), most of which are minimally invasive, within operating rooms. The majority of these surgeries employ surgical microscopes that are compatible with IGS platforms.
2. What are the major microscopic surgery market trends?
One major trend is the popularity surrounding neurosurgery microscopes. Alone, neurosurgery microscopes represented over half of the total market value. However, these microscopes contributed significantly less to the overall unit sales. Neurosurgical microscopes are the most advanced microscopes and are at the top of the price spectrum. Additionally, these microscopes can also be used for spinal surgeries, ENT, and plastic reconstructive surgeries. In an attempt to limit spending, many facilities will purchase one device with various functionalities.
Another key trend is the advent of video microscopy. Video microscopy allows surgeons to project and visualize the microscope feed on a separate display. Having the ability to display the surgery on a larger screen prevents the surgeon from straining their neck and eyes. Video technology is in the works of being integrated into surgical microscopes to improve the outcome of the surgery and the surgeon’s comfort. Most of the major microscopy competitors are currently developing this technology, and many other companies are looking to expand or enter this market due to the high growth potential.
3. Who are the top 3 companies competing for market share?
The top 3 companies within the global surgical microscope market are Carl Zeiss, Leica Microsystems, and Alcon.
Carl Zeiss leads the market and has been providing surgical microscopes much longer than the other competitors. Due to the extensive history within the surgical microscope market, Carl Zeiss is considered by many to be the gold standard in neurosurgical microscopes. Carl Zeiss offers a broad range of surgical microscopes, including but not limited to the OPMI® Vario/S88, OPMI® Pentero®, and more. Additionally, Carl Zeiss offers refurbished microscopes which contribute to the company’s dominating share with the neurosurgical microscope market.
Leica Microsystems come in second place in terms of overall market share within the global surgical microscope market. Leica, over the years, has nurtured a strong connection with the scientific community, which the company believes is key to its innovative abilities. The company has a partnership with TrueVision® 3D Surgical to provide customers with digital smart 3D systems, which eliminate the need for separate 3D carts. Aside from this, Leica offers products in all of the segments including its ARveo® microscope.
Lastly, Alcon comes in third. Alcon is relatively new within the U.S. market and offers products specifically in the ophthalmic microscope segment. The company provides its LuxOR™ line of ophthalmic microscopes, which has been successful in the U.S. market. Recently, Alcon released their newest product: the LuxOR™ LX3 with Q-VUE™. The company’s LuxOR™ LX3 with Q-VUE™ is for cataract refractive surgery, and features a large visual field, excellent detail, and contrast, and is 3D capable with cutting-edge technology.
Want to Further Explore This Market?
As doctors seek new products, innovation should fuel the industry. Find out more about the competitive landscape and view a full panorama of this market in the report: Global Surgical Microscope Market.
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