Overview:
Ultrasound contrast agents are used to perform or conduct contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) procedures. Microbubble contrast agents are small spherical bubbles including three phases such as innermost gas phase, shell material enclosing the gas phase, and outermost gas or liquid phase. These microbubbles have unique ability to respond to ultrasound, hence used for ultrasound imaging and research. These bubbles improve the visualization of blood flow pertaining to the surrounding tissue. Microbubbles are micron-sized (smaller than one millimeter in diameter) particles consisting of a gas core surrounded by a lipid shell. On the other side, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are fluorinated compounds used as contrast agents for ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contrast agents containing liquid perfluorocarbons are used in contrast-enhanced ultrasound procedures.
Technological advances in ultrasound technologies and advantages of ultrasound over alternative technologies are majorly driving the demand for ultrasound contrast agents over the forecast period. Furthermore, growing geriatric population coupled with rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and rising demand for diagnostics & image-guided procedures are expected to support the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the presence of favorable government initiatives, promising reimbursement policies for contrast-enhanced procedures and rising research activities related enhancing imaging and diagnosis outcomes are likely to assist in the market growth.
Based on the therapeutic area, the cardiovascular diseases segment is expected to dominate the market from 2018 to 2026 owing to the extensive use of ultrasound contrast agents in echocardiography procedures, increasing burden of stroke and heart attack. The presence of major market participants, suppliers & distributors, sophisticated healthcare system, and comparatively higher adoption of advanced technologies are expected to put North America at the dominant position over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is anticipated to register comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to growing aging population base along with rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing healthcare spending.
The global ultrasound contrast agents market is segmented on the following bases:
Key players identified in the global ultrasound contrast agents market include:
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