Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles Market Size, Share & Segmentation By Type (Rigid Laryngoscopes, Flexible Laryngoscopes), By End-use (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Other), By Region, and Global Forecast 2024-2032

Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles Market Report Scope & Overview:

Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles Market Size was valued at USD 936 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2036.3 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.04% over the forecast period 2024-2032.

This report provides key statistical insights and emerging trends in the Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles market. It covers the global incidence and prevalence of airway-related procedures, highlighting rising demand across emergency and surgical care. It also analyzes procurement patterns by the type of hospital, the trend toward the use of disposable products in battling infection, and healthcare spending allocations by funding source. It also explores technological introductions, including video-compatible handles and ergonomic advances. These research findings provide a holistic perspective on the market’s dynamics, adoption trends, and growth prospects for these laryngoscopy devices across the world.

The rise in prevalence of respiratory and throat-related diseases, along with innovations in the field of medical technologies, are acting as the major drivers for the global laryngoscopes blades and handles market. According to Government statistics, the volume of chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, has increased dramatically over recent years, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving the demand for advanced airway management tools such as laryngoscopes. The U.S. laryngoscopes blades and handles market has shown consistent growth, rising from USD 314.50 million to USD 678.95 million over the observed period. This reflects a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.95%. This positive trend highlights the growing need for advanced airway management devices in the country and improved healthcare infrastructure. This dominance can be attributed to a number of factors more robust healthcare infrastructure, earlier adoption of innovative technologies, and stronger governmental support for medical research. Additionally, the rise in surgical procedures requiring intubation has further fueled demand for laryngoscopes in hospitals and emergency settings.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• The increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is significantly driving the demand for laryngoscope blades and handles. ​

The rising incidence of respiratory diseases, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is a major factor driving the demand for laryngoscope blades and handles in healthcare facilities. According to recent a study conducted by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, around 104 million Indian adults have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which translates to 11% of the adult population in India, and is more likely to occur in men (13%) than women (5%). A high patient load subsequently drives the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, leading to larger requirements in terms of functioning laryngoscopic equipment.

Similarly, COPD remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, which affects about 392 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The condition is characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms, including fixed airflow limitation, commonly requiring specialized techniques for airway management during anesthesia for which laryngoscopes are indispensable. Also, the high prevalence of COPD diseases, especially in low- and middle-income countries, highlights the increasing need for effective airway management tools. ​ The rising burden of these respiratory diseases highlights the urgent need for effective airway management tools. As a result, the laryngoscope blades & handles market is noticing an upswing owing to the need to face the airway management challenges posed by these common conditions.

Restraint

• The high cost associated with advanced laryngoscope technologies, such as video laryngoscopes, can deter smaller healthcare facilities from investing in such equipment. ​

High costs associated with video laryngoscopes are the primary restraints in the laryngoscope blades & handles market. They provide enhanced visualization and increased first-pass intubation success rates but are much more expensive than classic direct laryngoscopes. The average cost of a video laryngoscope system can run anywhere from USD 1,500 to USD 6,000 for a single unit, depending on the brand and features, whereas a traditional laryngoscope cost may be as low as USD 200 to USD 500.

This big price gap restricts adoption, particularly by small and medium-sized healthcare facilities and those with a limited budget in international markets. Moreover, maintenance, software updates, and disposable components also contribute to the cost. A 2024 clinical equipment expenditure survey conducted by MedTech Insight indicated that more than 47% of small hospitals in developing countries have no plans to purchase video-assisted devices and continue using reusable direct laryngoscopes, despite increased awareness of the benefits, simply because of financial limitations. Some healthcare systems do not reimburse high-end laryngoscopy equipment, which also can have a negative impact on the procurement of these devices. As a result, despite technological advancements, the high cost of acquisition and operation remains a notable barrier to widespread adoption in both developed and developing healthcare markets.

Opportunity

• Expanding into emerging markets, such as China and India, presents significant growth opportunities due to increasing healthcare expenditures and improving healthcare infrastructure. ​

​Expanding into emerging markets like India and China presents significant growth opportunities for the laryngoscope blades and handles market, driven by substantial enhancements in healthcare infrastructure and increased healthcare spending.​ In India, the healthcare sector has experienced notable advancements. The number of hospitals increased from 43,500 in 2019 to 54,000 in 2024, with private hospitals growing by 27%, from approximately 30,000 to 38,000 during this period. Additionally, the number of medical colleges rose from 387 in 2014 to 706 in 2024, expanding the availability of trained medical professionals. Government initiatives, such as the establishment of over 1.6 lakh health and wellness centres under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, have further enhanced healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. ​

China's healthcare landscape is also evolving, with per capita health expenditure increasing from approximately 6,044 yuan in 2022 to about 6,425 yuan in 2023. The country's aging population, projected to surpass 400 million individuals aged 60 and above by 2035, is fueling demand for medical services and equipment. Government efforts to address healthcare disparities, especially between urban and rural areas, include initiatives to reduce the rural-urban healthcare gap by 2035. These developments in India and China indicate a growing demand for medical devices, including laryngoscope blades and handles, presenting substantial opportunities for market expansion in these regions.

Challenge

• The lack of trained professionals proficient in using advanced laryngoscopic devices can limit market growth, as healthcare providers may opt for traditional methods due to familiarity and perceived safety.

​The shortage of trained professionals proficient in using advanced laryngoscopic devices presents a significant challenge in the laryngoscope blades and Handles Market. Laryngoscopy is a complex procedure requiring specialized skills, and the absence of adequately trained personnel can limit the adoption of advanced laryngoscopic technologies, thereby impeding market growth. ​

This challenge is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where disparities in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) training resources are evident. Many healthcare providers in these regions seek training abroad due to limited local opportunities, highlighting the need for integrating complementary training and educational modalities into local systems. Addressing the shortage of educational resources and promoting open-access initiatives in LMICs are essential steps toward enhancing surgical education and improving global OHNS healthcare outcomes. ​ Furthermore, the high cost associated with advanced laryngoscope technologies, such as video laryngoscopes, exacerbates the issue. These devices require significant capital investment and ongoing maintenance, which, coupled with the need for specialized training, can deter smaller healthcare facilities from adopting them. This financial barrier further limits the widespread utilization of advanced laryngoscopic equipment, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Segment Analysis

By Type

In 2023, the rigid laryngoscopes segment dominated the market, and accounted for 57% market share, as it is clinically efficient and widely employed in both standard and emergency medical practices. There is the trial of rigid laryngoscopes, that make it possible to directly visualize the larynx and are useful in such settings as intubation, airway management, and diagnostic uses, making them a useful tool. Their durable design makes them ideal for high-usage healthcare environments like hospitals. The rise of rigid laryngoscopes has been propelled by technological developments. Some of the modern designs have better healing systems like LED illumination for better visibility during the operation. The introduction of ergonomic handles and lightweight materials has also made them more user-friendly for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the integration of video technology with rigid laryngoscopes has expanded their applications, enabling real-time visualization and recording for training and diagnostic purposes.

Government support has played a significant role in driving the adoption of rigid laryngoscopes. For instance, public healthcare initiatives in developed nations have prioritized equipping hospitals with reusable rigid laryngoscopes due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability. However, previous funding data from health departments shows that airway management products and equipment were consistently funded further contributing to the effort in the fight against diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In addition, it is well known that rigid laryngoscopes are more useful in complex surgical procedures that require precision.

By End Use

Hospitals accounted for over 60% of the revenue share in 2023, making them the largest end-user segment for laryngoscope blades and handles. The importance of the hospital setting is because of the high proportion of patients with complex medical conditions needing advanced airway management tools and the availability of advanced healthcare technology in the hospital setting. Hospitals are the major management centers for critical states such as severe respiratory disorders, airway cancers, and trauma cases needing immediate intubation or surgical repair. Laryngoscopes used for procedures from routine surgeries to emergency intubations are among these tools and are generally well used in hospitals. These devices are indispensable for ensuring patient safety during anesthesia administration or airway obstruction management.

Hospitals have been also increasingly regarded as critical end-users witnessed through government investments. High-resolution imaging and expensive surgical instruments have traditionally consumed a large portion of public health budgets devoted to equipping hospitals. For instance, consider that government programs aimed at reducing mortality rates from respiratory diseases have chosen video laryngoscopes and other advanced airway management devices as funded targets. Moreover, hospitals are regular training centers for healthcare professionals, thus requiring access to high-quality medical equipment for educational needs. Laryngoscopes integrated with video technology have improved their use in learning environments to enhance trainee views during real-time procedures.

Regional Analysis

In 2023, North America led the laryngoscope blades and handles market with over 40% share. The dominance is mainly attributed to well-equipped healthcare infrastructure, greater adoption of innovative technologies at an early stage, and a higher burden of respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about 25 million Americans are affected by asthma each year, requiring repeated use of airway management devices such as laryngoscopes. Research and innovation in the medical field are strongly supported by the government, and the U.S. is a leading country with advantages. As an example, national funding mechanisms such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA have provided historic support to technologies such as diagnostic devices and surgical instruments. Additionally, governing bodies such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) have established rigorous recommendations that drive hospitals to implement advanced devices such as video-enabled rigid laryngoscopes. A high number of annual surgical procedures performed also bolsters the region’s dominance. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reported that over 48 million surgeries were conducted in U.S. hospitals in 2023 alone many requiring advanced airway management solutions.

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow with the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) because of growing investments in healthcare infrastructure by countries' governments such as China, and India. Growing awareness regarding the impact of air pollution on respiratory disorders one of the major challenges observed in urban areas has steered governments to modernize healthcare systems. For instance, China’s Healthy China 2030 initiative emphasizes improving access to advanced medical technologies across rural and urban areas alike. Likewise, India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme seeks to subsidize access to healthcare services, but it is also helping equip public hospitals with basic diagnostic instruments such as laryngoscopes.

Key Players

• Medtronic plc (McGRATH MAC Video Laryngoscope, Shiley Laryngoscope Handle)

• KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG (Standard Macintosh Blades, D-BLADE Video Laryngoscope)

• Ambu A/S (Ambu aScope 4, Ambu King Vision Video Laryngoscope)

• Teleflex Incorporated (Rüsch Standard Laryngoscope Blades, Rüsch Laryngoscope Handle)

• Smiths Medical (ICU Medical) (Portex BritePro Solo, Portex Med-Surg Handles)

• Verathon Inc. (GlideScope Go, GlideScope Spectrum Blades)

• HEINE Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG (HEINE Classic+ Macintosh Blade, HEINE F.O. LED Handle)

• Welch Allyn (Baxter) (Halogen HPX Blades, Welch Allyn LED Handles)

• SunMed (Greenline Fiber Optic Blades, SunMed Conventional Handles)

• Truphatek International Ltd. (Truview EVO2, Trulite Disposable Blades)

• Penlon Limited (Premier Blades, Penlon Diamond Handles)

• Timesco Healthcare Ltd. (Callisto Disposable Blades, Optima LED Handles)

• Olympus Corporation (ENF-VH Laryngoscope System, EVIS EXERA Video Laryngoscope)

• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (FISSA MAC Blades, BD Laryngoscope Handle)

• Flexicare Medical Ltd. (BriteBlade Pro, BritePro Solo Handles)

• Medline Industries, LP (Medline Disposable Blades, Fiber Optic Handle)

• VDO Meditech (MAC Blades, LED Laryngoscope Handle)

• Shenzhen HugeMed Medical Technical Development Co., Ltd. (Hugemed MAC Blades, Hugemed LED Handle)

• Scope Medical Devices Pvt. Ltd. (Scope MAC Blades, Reusable Handle)

• Acutronic Medical Systems AG (Video Laryngoscope, ACUTRONIC Handle)

Recent Developments

• Cardinal Health launched innovative customizable Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles designed for efficiency in the operating room throughout North America in March 2024.

• The BD announced improvements in sterile packaging technology for Laryngoscopes Blades and Handles in February 2024 to reduce surgical infections.