PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1826783
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1826783
Flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy are minimally invasive endourological procedures used to diagnose and treat urinary tract conditions. Flexible ureteroscopy involves a highly maneuverable, fiber-optic instrument that can navigate the complex renal anatomy, while semi-rigid ureteroscopy uses a more rigid device, ideal for interventions in the distal ureter.
The primary products in flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy include flexible ureteroscopes, digital ureteroscopes, fiberoptic ureteroscopes, and semi-rigid ureteroscopes. Flexible ureteroscopes are slender, tube-like instruments that can bend and navigate through the intricate pathways of the urinary tract. These devices are used for various conditions, such as urinary stricture, upper urinary tract infections, urolithiasis, kidney cancer, and more. They are utilized by a range of end users, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other healthcare settings.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp rise in U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a significant impact on the healthcare sector, especially in the supply of essential medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Hospitals and healthcare providers are grappling with higher costs for imported surgical tools, imaging systems, and consumables like syringes and catheters, many of which have limited domestic substitutes. These escalating expenses are putting pressure on healthcare budgets, prompting some providers to delay equipment upgrades or pass increased costs on to patients. Furthermore, tariffs on raw materials and components are disrupting the manufacturing of vital drugs and devices, leading to supply chain delays. In response, the industry is adopting diversified sourcing strategies, expanding local production where feasible, and pushing for tariff exemptions on critical medical products.
The flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market statistics, including flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market share, detailed flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy industry. This flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.85 billion in 2024 to $0.9 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early standardization of ureteroscopy procedures, a global focus on patient safety, a surge in medical tourism, increasing government funding, and a decline in open surgery popularity.
The flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.15 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of medical insurance, the development of reusable scopes, the globalization of medical devices, regulatory approvals for devices, and the emergence of specialty clinics. Major trends in the forecast period include the expansion of medical insurance, the development of reusable scopes, the globalization of medical devices, regulatory approvals for devices, and the emergence of specialty clinics.
The forecast of 6.3% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. Trade tensions could hinder U.S. urological care by inflating prices of digital ureteroscopes and laser lithotripsy fibers developed in Israel and Switzerland, resulting in delayed kidney stone treatments and higher urology department expenditures. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The increasing preference for minimally invasive procedures is expected to drive the growth of the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market. Minimally invasive procedures involve medical treatments or surgeries performed with smaller incisions or through natural body openings. The growing demand for these procedures is attributed to their benefits, including shorter recovery times, reduced pain and scarring, lower infection risks, and better surgical outcomes, making them more attractive to patients. Flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy are such procedures used to diagnose and treat urinary tract issues, such as kidney stones and tumors, by providing precise access and treatment with minimal trauma. For example, in January 2024, Intuitive Surgical Inc., a US-based robotic products manufacturer, announced the placement of 415 da Vinci surgical systems (robotic systems utilizing minimally invasive techniques) in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a 12% increase from 2022. Consequently, the growing preference for minimally invasive procedures is fueling the expansion of the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market.
Key players in the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market are prioritizing technological innovations, such as the digital flexible ureteroscope, to improve procedural efficiency and clinical results. A digital flexible ureteroscope is an advanced tool used in urology for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the urinary tract, including kidney stones, tumors, and strictures. For example, in February 2023, Boston Scientific, a US-based medical technology company, gained US FDA approval for its LithoVue Elite System. This system is the first ureteroscope capable of monitoring intrarenal pressure (IRP) in real-time during ureteroscopy procedures, commonly used to diagnose and treat kidney stones. The device offers several key features, including a single-use design that reduces infection risks associated with reusable scopes, thereby streamlining patient care. Additionally, the system has programmable buttons on the ureteroscope handle that enable direct control of imaging functions without requiring coordination from additional staff.
In April 2023, Boston Scientific, a medical technology company based in the US, acquired Apollo Endosurgery for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Boston Scientific to expand its portfolio in endoluminal surgery (ELS) and endobariatric solutions, focusing on offering less invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. These solutions are designed to close gastrointestinal defects, manage complications, and support weight loss, resulting in faster recovery times and lower surgical risks. Apollo Endosurgery, also based in the US, is known for its contributions to flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy.
Major players in the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market are Cardinal Health Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Stryker Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Coloplast A/S, Cook Medical Inc., Richard Wolf GmbH, B. Braun Melsungen AG, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, Fannin Limited, Civco Medical Solutions LLC, E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems S.A., AA Medical Inc., Rocamed SA, Mediflex Surgical Products Inc., NeoScope Inc., SCHOLLY FIBEROPTIC GmbH, Emos Technology GmbH, and Elmed Medical Systems Inc.
North America was the largest region in the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market consists of sales of cameras, video systems, guidewires, and laser fibers. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Flexible And Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopy Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopy market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.