The global 3-D/4-D ultrasound market is expected to reach $730 million by 2021, according to a new Technavio report.

The top vendors in order are GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Toshiba Medical Systems, Siemens Healthineers and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics.

Ultrasound imaging is increasingly being used to diagnose conditions that were traditionally MR and CT territory. Advancements in technology, such as better image quality, volumetric ultrasound, and improved mode technology are major drivers.

Cloud software that connects ultrasound devices to smartphones and tablets, and wireless technologies like Bluetooth are also increasing the adoption of 3-D/4-D ultrasound equipment.

In 2016, static 3-D/4-D ultrasound was the largest segment in the market. This equipment is mostly used for OB/GYN and breast imaging applications.

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases will further propel this segment. The demand for this technology will mostly come from emerging countries.

The Americas are dominating the market due to rising awareness of the need for breast cancer screening in the region. The go-to modality is 3-D/4-D ultrasound because it provides a clear image of dense breast tissue.

Manufacturers are responding to this trend by offering advanced equipment to health care providers. They are also focusing on providing advanced features such as portability.

The larger players in the market are also acquiring smaller companies to broaden their product portfolios and geographical presence. For example, Philips acquired the catheter-based imaging company Volcano in 2015.

GE is the leading company in the market, with a footprint in over 130 countries. Through its health care systems subsegment, GE manufacturers and markets a broad range of ultrasound equipment.

Aside from the five major companies, other prominent vendors in the market are ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEMS, Analogic, Carestream Health, CHISON, ContextVision, Delphinus Medical Technologies, Esaote, MedGyn, FUJIFILM SonoSite, Samsung Medison, SonoStar, TELEMED Medical Systems and TOMTEC IMAGING SYSTEMS.

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