Microwave Ablation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component Type (Generator, Power Distribution Systems, Accessories), By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global microwave ablation market size was valued at USD 342.81 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.91% from 2023 to 2030. The growth of the market is attributed to the increase in liver, lung, bone, and kidney cancer incidences worldwide. A growing number of procedures using the image-guided gadget are also anticipated to propel market expansion. Microwave ablation devices are anticipated to increase in popularity in the near future due to technological developments and a growing preference for minimally invasive procedures. However, the high cost of the equipment used in microwave ablation operations and the surgeons' preference for radiofrequency ablation equipment over microwave ablation (MWA) equipment are impeding the market expansion.

Additionally, the market for microwave ablation devices will expand as a result of people's changing lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and use of tobacco and alcohol. These factors are all contributing to an increase in cancer incidence. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, there were around 18.1 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2020. In 2020, breast and lung cancer accounted for 12.5% and 12.2%, respectively, of all newly diagnosed cases of cancer. In 2020, there were 1.9 million new instances of colorectal cancer, accounting for 10.7% of all cancer cases. According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), by 2040, the growth and aging of the population alone are predicted to cause 27.5 million new instances of cancer and 16.3 million cancer deaths worldwide. Due to the rising frequency of risk factors including smoking, poor food, physical inactivity, and fewer pregnancies in economically developing nations, the burden will likely grow in the future.

Over the forecast period, microwave ablation technology is predicted to witness profitable growth. Unlike a radiofrequency ablation device's electric current, a microwave (MW) ablation device's energy propagates an electromagnetic field. The use of microwave ablation technology in tissue with poor electrical conductivity, such as bones and lungs, is thus improved. Larger tumor ablation volumes, consistently high temperatures, less pain during ablation, and effective heating of the cystic mass are some of this technology's major advantages. It is believed that these advantages would help this segment expand. Additionally, the segment is anticipated to be driven by minimal procedure time (5–10 minutes), greater efficacy with few problems, and shorter hospital stays.

Additionally, one of the major causes fueling the market growth is the R&D for catheter-based microwave devices. The global market is expected to grow as a result of the introduction of new products in the market. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ethicon, a division of Johnson & Johnson medical devices, to launch their transbronchial microwave ablation method in July 2020. This is known as the "breakthrough devices program", which is a voluntary program for certain medical devices with the aim of providing better and more effective diagnoses or treatments for diseases that are either life-threatening or permanently disabling. 

Component Type Insights

The accessories segment held the largest revenue share of over 50.0% in 2022. The accessories segment mainly includes the applicator antenna. These antennae deliver energy to the tissue and have several advantages and clinical applications. One procedure generally requires multiple antennae for the creation of a huge and reproducible ablation zone. The basic features of the antenna include minimal invasiveness and high efficiency to penetrate deep into tissues to form larger ablation zones by active heating.  However, airways, blood vessels, bile ducts, and the bowel influence the antenna performance. Additionally, major companies are involved in the production and marketing of new-edge antennae. For instance, Medtronic has developed The Emprint SX navigation antennae that are armed with electromagnetic sensors to track the real-time position of antennae. Moreover, Emprint Percutaneous Antennas with Thermosphere Technology is a patented technology of Medtronic that forms expected ablation zones, despite changing tissue conditions.

The generators are expected to register the fastest CAGR of 14.13% during the forecast period. The generators are responsible for delivering power to the multiple antennae. Since the device is used close to the patient, it must adhere to the highest safety standards in human medicine. High voltage is protected by an integrated DC/DC block. Sensors keep an eye on both the temperature and radio frequency power level simultaneously. The generator has a long service life owing to the sturdy radio frequency connectors on the device, which are built for repeated connection cycles. Additionally, key players are coming up with technological advancements and have produced AMICA Microwave and RF System Gen by Mermaid Medical. That is a programmable microwave (MW, 2450 MHz) and radiofrequency (RF, 450 kHz) generator. AMICA is the only system in the world that combines radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave (MWA), the two primary thermal ablation technologies, in the same hardware.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment dominated the market in 2022 with a share of over 45.0% attributed to the high usage of microwave ablation systems in hospitals as most surgeries are performed in hospital settings. Additionally, it is anticipated that the segment growth over the forecast period will be supported by the growing number of hospitals around the world. For instance, according to a report released in 2019 by the American Hospital Association, there were approximately 6,210 hospitals in the U.S. in 2018, of which 2,968 were community hospitals run by non-profit organizations and 972 by state and local governments.

The research laboratories segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 14.00% from 2023 to 2030. The segment is expanding as a result of expanding clinical research on cancer and ablation therapies. For instance, Ethicon Inc. (a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson) initiated a research study in December 2021 to evaluate the efficacy and security of the new wave-certus microwave ablation system in Chinese patients with primary or secondary lung cancers. It is anticipated that the study will be completed by December 2024. In addition, the United States Food and Drug Administration held a two-day online workshop in April on how transbronchoscopic thermal ablation devices may be developed to treat intermediate-stage lung tumors, according to the article "Food and Drug Administration (FDA) To Convene Workshop On Using Ablation Therapy to Treat Certain Lung Cancers" published in January 2022.

Application Insights

The oncology segment held the largest share of over 30.0% in 2022. The rising prevalence of cancer, increasing healthcare expenses in the development of treatments and solutions for cancer care, and growing adoption of ablation therapies are expected to fuel the oncology segment. For instance, percancer.org says more than 1.9 million new cancer cases were recorded in the U.S. alone in 2021. Governments have been raising their investments in oncology-related research and development, which is driving the market. The National Cancer Institute's budget was approved by the American Congress as part of the annual federal budgeting process in 2022. The total amount was USD 6.9 billion, an increase of USD 353 million from 2021. The market is expected to rise as a result of companies making more investments in cancer research. The market is anticipated to witness significant expansion in the near future, and businesses are investing more and more in the production of cutting-edge products. In the U.K., the government intends to invest USD 26 billion in R&D by 2024–2025.

The cardiology segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 14.01% during the forecast period. The leading cause of death in recent years has been heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year, 17.9 million people die as a result of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Since they take time to manifest symptoms, cardiovascular diseases are often described as the "silent pandemic." They are considered to be expensive health ailments to treat. A similar source also predicts that 697,000 Americans, or 1 in every 5 deaths, would die from heart disease in the U.S. in 2022. According to a study from the World Atlas, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Russia, accounting for around 57.0% of all deaths there. As a result, it is anticipated that the need for cardiac ablation therapy will rise as CVD cases increase internationally.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2022. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the broad application of microwave ablation technology in primary care settings, increased accessibility, and high healthcare costs in nations with effective reimbursement systems. It is projected that the region would continue to grow as a result of technological advancements and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. There is a strong demand for imaging analysis due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in this area, such as cardiovascular disorders. For instance, the CDC estimates that about 805,000 Americans get a heart attack each year. Over the projected period, the region is anticipated to continue to dominate.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR in the forecast period. Growth prospects are created by the rising number of patients and significant healthcare providers in quickly emerging nations such as China and India. Healthcare expenditure in Asia Pacific is rising thanks to government support. For instance, the Health Minister Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) program of the Indian government offers financial aid to underprivileged cancer patients. Over the projection period, this is expected to increase demand for microwave ablation devices in this region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is fragmented owing to high competition at the global level as it has the presence of severe key players. These players focus on growth strategies, such as new product launches, collaborations, partnerships, operational expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and patient awareness campaigns. For instance, Nanjing ECO Microwave System Co., Ltd. received FDA approval for Disposable Microwave Therapeutic Antennas in June 2021. Additionally, in June 2022, AveCure 16 Gauge Flexible Microwave Ablation Probe by MedWaves, Inc. initiated its clinical trials effective on lung cancer microwave ablation accessory, expected to complete it in June 2025. Some prominent players in the global microwave ablation market include:

• Angio Dynamics

• Medtronic PLC

• Emblation microwave

• Huber+Suhner

• Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.

• MedWaves Inc.

• Symple Surgical

• Mermaid Medical

• Varian Medical Systems, Inc. 

• Terumo Corporation

Microwave Ablation Market Report Scope

Global Microwave Ablation Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global microwave ablation market report on the basis of component type, application, end-use, and region:

• Component Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Generator

  • Power Distribution System

  • Accessories

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Oncology

  • Cardiology

  • Urology

  • Orthopedic

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Research Laboratories

  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  •  Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE