Advancements in obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound, hand-carried ultrasound as well as other smaller market segments such as urology and surgical ultrasound are driving the European ultrasound market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Markets for Ultrasound, finds that the market was worth $0.9 billion in 2007 and estimates this to reach $1.4 billion in 2014.

Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Krishanu Bhattacharjee said "Increased demand from private practitioners as well as the growing number of breast and prostate ultrasound procedures will boost market growth," "With the use of hand-carried ultrasound units for the anaesthesia and emergency wards, the European market for ultrasound is set to experience sustained growth."

Advances in volume-rendering technologies in ultrasound will spur market growth. The market will witness substantial growth due to the widespread acceptance of hand-carried ultrasound by European hospitals as well as private diagnostic settings. However, the market for radiology ultrasound will experience gradual decline in the coming years owing to high levels of saturation. Continuous price erosion as well as the rising demand for refurbished equipment among private clinicians will also hamper market growth.

The lack of complete reimbursement for several ultrasound procedures, coupled with the lack of standardisation of 3D and 4D imaging, will also affect adoption rates.