Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global intraoperative MRI equipment market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital, clinic, and cancer research institute markets. The global intraoperative MRI equipment market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increase in adoption of minimally invasive procedure, the rising incidence of brain tumors & epilepsy, and the growing investment in healthcare infrastructure.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, 1.5t system is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, hospital is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report. Sample figures with some insights are shown below.
Emerging Trends in the Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market
The intraoperative MRI equipment market is undergoing a paradigm shift as hospitals demand smarter, more integrated, and patient-centered imaging solutions. Emerging trends reflect a confluence of technological innovation, surgical advancement, and regulatory alignment. These trends are not only improving clinical outcomes but also reducing operational complexities in the OR. The following five trends encapsulate the forward momentum of the intraoperative MRI space, shaping its near- and long-term evolution across global healthcare landscapes.
• Miniaturization and Portability: Compact and portable intraoperative MRI systems are gaining traction, especially in hospitals with space and cost constraints. These systems allow flexibility in OR design and enable imaging across multiple theaters. Their ease of mobility and installation is making them attractive in both developed and emerging economies.
• AI Integration for Image Interpretation: Artificial intelligence is transforming intraoperative imaging by enabling real-time image analysis and anomaly detection. AI-powered platforms improve surgical decision-making by providing precise anatomical segmentation and predictive insights, enhancing accuracy and reducing surgical time.
• Rise of Hybrid Operating Rooms: The integration of intraoperative MRI systems into hybrid operating rooms is facilitating seamless workflows across surgical and diagnostic disciplines. These ORs enable multidisciplinary teams to perform surgeries with live imaging, improving patient outcomes in complex neurosurgical and spinal procedures.
• Increased Use in Oncology and Epilepsy Surgeries: Beyond neurosurgery, intraoperative MRI is increasingly used in oncology (for tumor resections) and epilepsy (for lesion localization). This expanded application base is driving adoption, especially in comprehensive cancer centers and specialty hospitals.
• Regulatory Push for Image-Guided Surgeries: Health authorities in regions like North America, Europe, and East Asia are incentivizing the use of image-guided surgical tools to improve patient safety. This regulatory support is accelerating procurement of intraoperative MRI systems and fostering investment in infrastructure upgrades.
These emerging trends are reshaping the intraoperative MRI market by aligning cutting-edge technology with clinical needs. Hospitals are becoming more receptive to integrated imaging systems, and innovation is driving affordability and scalability. The result is a dynamic, patient-focused market poised for continuous growth.
Recent Development in the Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market
The intraoperative MRI equipment market has experienced a wave of strategic developments in technology, partnerships, and healthcare infrastructure. These advancements aim to enhance surgical precision, reduce patient risk, and improve hospital efficiency. From new product launches to regulatory approvals and cross-sector collaborations, each development reflects a significant step toward mainstreaming real-time intraoperative imaging in modern medicine.
• Launch of Portable MRI Systems: Companies like Hyperfine and Skynative Medical have launched portable MRI systems that can be moved between ORs. These innovations improve imaging access while reducing setup time and overall cost.
• Strategic Collaborations between Hospitals and OEMs: Hospitals are forming strategic alliances with MRI equipment manufacturers like Siemens, Philips, and GE Healthcare to co-develop tailored intraoperative imaging systems. These collaborations often result in the development of high-efficiency hybrid ORs.
• AI-Powered Imaging Enhancements: Start-ups and established vendors are integrating AI into MRI platforms to assist surgeons in real-time decision-making. These enhancements enable better delineation of tumor margins and neurological mapping during operations.
• Reimbursement and Regulatory Approvals: Improved reimbursement models in the United States and EU, along with expedited regulatory clearances, have fueled market adoption. This is particularly important for high-cost systems where ROI is a key concern.
• Academic and Clinical Research Investments: Universities and academic hospitals are increasing investments in intraoperative MRI research, leading to innovation in both imaging hardware and surgical workflow software. This research supports evidence-based adoption in clinical practice.
These developments are contributing to a more accessible, efficient, and outcome-focused intraoperative MRI landscape. The synergy between innovation, regulation, and collaboration is expanding the market’s potential across both high- and mid-income countries.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market
The expanding applications of intraoperative MRI equipment are driving its strategic growth across multiple medical domains. As hospitals aim for enhanced surgical outcomes, intraoperative MRI is increasingly being applied in areas beyond neurosurgery. From oncology to pediatrics, new use cases are broadening the market’s scope and value. The following five growth opportunities highlight the major areas of clinical expansion.
• Neurosurgery: Intraoperative MRI significantly improves the precision of brain tumor resections and minimizes neurological deficits. Its use in guiding resection boundaries supports better long-term patient outcomes, making it a core application.
• Spine Surgery: Intraoperative MRI is increasingly used to guide spinal instrumentation, correct deformities, and remove tumors. This minimizes the risk of post-operative complications and supports minimally invasive techniques.
• Oncology Tumor Resection: MRI-guided oncological surgeries, especially in soft tissues like the prostate, breast, and liver, are becoming mainstream. It helps surgeons confirm tumor-free margins intraoperatively, reducing reoperation rates.
• Epilepsy and Functional Brain Surgeries: For epilepsy, intraoperative MRI assists in precisely localizing lesions or abnormal tissue for resection. This growth area is being explored in specialized neurology centers with a high success rate.
• Pediatric Surgeries: The use of intraoperative MRI in pediatric neurosurgeries is gaining attention. Its non-invasive nature and ability to adapt to small anatomical structures make it ideal for delicate surgical interventions in children.
These application-specific growth avenues are accelerating the adoption of intraoperative MRI, positioning it as a critical enabler of modern surgical precision. Expanding its clinical use not only improves patient care but also justifies the high capital investments for hospitals.
Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Driver and Challenges
The intraoperative MRI equipment market is significantly shaped by a combination of technological advancements, economic considerations, and regulatory influences. As the demand for real-time surgical imaging rises, intraoperative MRI offers enhanced precision, particularly in neurosurgery and oncology. However, despite its advantages, the market faces challenges related to high costs, integration complexity, and skill shortages. The interplay between these drivers and challenges defines adoption rates across different regions and institutions. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders aiming to optimize clinical outcomes, reduce complications, and justify investments in this high-potential yet capital-intensive surgical imaging technology.
The factors responsible for driving the intraoperative mri equipment market include:
1. Growing Demand for Precision and Image-Guided Surgery: The need for real-time visualization during surgery is a critical driver for intraoperative MRI equipment. These systems enable surgeons to monitor tumor margins, adjust surgical plans on the spot, and reduce residual tumor presence. This is especially valuable in neurosurgery, where millimeter-level accuracy is crucial. As hospitals prioritize surgical outcomes and patient safety, the demand for high-resolution intraoperative imaging continues to grow. Moreover, medical professionals are increasingly relying on advanced imaging to reduce the need for repeat surgeries, boosting intraoperative MRI adoption across high-end and research-focused healthcare facilities.
2. Rising Prevalence of Neurological Disorders and Tumors: The global increase in brain tumors, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases is propelling the adoption of intraoperative MRI. These conditions often require highly precise surgical interventions, where intraoperative imaging ensures optimal resection without damaging adjacent tissues. Countries with aging populations, such as Japan and Germany, are particularly driving the demand. In developing nations like India and China, a growing middle class and improvements in healthcare infrastructure are making such advanced technologies more accessible. This epidemiological trend strongly supports continued investment in intraoperative imaging capabilities to manage complex neurological cases.
3. Technological Advancements and System Miniaturization: Recent innovations have made intraoperative MRI systems more compact, mobile, and energy-efficient. Vendors like Hyperfine and Siemens Healthineers are developing MRI units that fit within hybrid operating rooms without significant space modifications. These improvements reduce infrastructure demands and allow easier integration into existing OR workflows. Enhanced imaging software, AI-based diagnostics, and robotics support are also making intraoperative MRIs more efficient and clinically useful. These technological advances lower barriers to adoption and make intraoperative MRI a practical option for mid-sized hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
4. Increasing Adoption of Hybrid Operating Rooms: The surge in hybrid ORs, which combine surgical suites with advanced imaging modalities, is a major growth driver. Hospitals are moving toward integrated operating environments that allow seamless intraoperative imaging, navigation, and intervention. This facilitates multidisciplinary procedures and reduces intraoperative complications. Intraoperative MRI plays a central role in these setups by providing real-time feedback that enhances surgical precision. The global shift toward value-based care and minimally invasive surgery further incentivizes hospitals to adopt hybrid ORs, which increases the demand for intraoperative MRI systems.
5. Favorable Regulatory and Reimbursement Policies: Governments and healthcare agencies in developed markets are promoting advanced surgical technologies through subsidies and improved reimbursement frameworks. For example, in the United States, favorable CPT codes have increased the use of MRI during surgery. In Europe and Japan, regulatory pathways have become more streamlined, encouraging faster product approvals and adoption. These policy incentives reduce the financial burden on healthcare providers and enhance market access for MRI equipment manufacturers. This supportive environment accelerates market penetration, particularly in academic, research, and high-volume surgical centers.
Challenges in the intraoperative mri equipment market are:
1. High Capital and Maintenance Costs: Intraoperative MRI systems are among the most expensive medical imaging tools, with installation costs reaching several million dollars. The need for specialized infrastructure, such as shielding rooms, cooling systems, and non-magnetic surgical instruments, further adds to the expense. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, calibration, and software upgrades incur significant operational costs. These financial burdens limit adoption, especially among mid-sized hospitals in developing countries, where budget constraints are more severe. Even in high-income nations, financial justification for these systems requires a clear return on investment, which may delay procurement decisions.
2. Lack of Skilled Professionals and Training Needs: Operating intraoperative MRI equipment requires a highly trained multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and MRI technicians. A shortage of trained personnel, especially in emerging markets, restricts the effective use of these systems. Training programs and certifications are not uniformly available, creating variability in clinical outcomes. Moreover, the integration of new technologies such as AI and robotic assistance requires continuous upskilling. This lack of expertise not only slows adoption but also increases the risk of operational errors and suboptimal patient outcomes.
3. Workflow Disruption and OR Integration Issues: Integrating MRI systems into operating rooms presents significant logistical and spatial challenges. These include magnetic safety zoning, equipment compatibility, and changes in standard surgical protocols. MRI-compatible tools are costlier and less diverse, which limits their applicability in complex surgeries. Additionally, the need to move patients between surgical and imaging positions may interrupt workflow and prolong surgical time. Without proper integration planning, intraoperative MRI can hinder rather than enhance surgical efficiency. This challenge is especially pronounced in retrofitting existing hospitals, where space and design are limited.
The intraoperative MRI equipment market stands at the intersection of technological progress and clinical necessity. Driven by a growing need for surgical precision, increasing neurological disease burden, and technological innovation, the market holds significant promise. However, barriers such as high cost, limited skilled personnel, and integration complexity must be addressed to ensure widespread adoption. As hospitals adopt hybrid ORs and governments provide regulatory support, the outlook remains positive. Tackling the challenges through modular systems, comprehensive training, and policy incentives will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of intraoperative MRI technologies worldwide.
List of Intraoperative MRI Equipment Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies intraoperative MRI equipment companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the intraoperative MRI equipment companies profiled in this report include-
• Medtronic
• GE Healthcare
• Siemens
• Hitachi
• Koninklijke Philips
Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global intraoperative MRI equipment market by type, application, and region.
Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• 0.2T System
• 1.5T System
• 3.0T System
• Others
Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Cancer Research Institutes
• Others
Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market
The intraoperative MRI equipment market is witnessing significant transformation due to advances in surgical imaging, growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and the increasing burden of neurological and oncological conditions. As healthcare systems seek real-time diagnostic precision, intraoperative MRI plays a critical role in enhancing surgical outcomes. With innovation at its core, this segment is experiencing robust developments across major countries such as the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan. These countries are embracing new technologies, integrating hybrid ORs, and expanding clinical use cases—each contributing uniquely to the evolving global market dynamics.
• United States: The United States continues to dominate the intraoperative MRI equipment market with ongoing investments in neurosurgery and advanced operating rooms. Hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic have expanded their intraoperative MRI infrastructure to support high-precision brain surgeries. Collaborations between medical institutions and imaging companies like GE Healthcare and Siemens Healthineers are boosting R&D for compact and portable MRI units. Moreover, the U.S. FDA has recently fast-tracked several intraoperative imaging solutions, accelerating clinical adoption and improving patient safety during complex procedures.
• China: China is rapidly scaling its intraoperative MRI capabilities through public health investments and domestic innovation. Companies such as United Imaging Healthcare are pioneering indigenous solutions to make MRI technology more accessible. Government initiatives under the Healthy China 2030 framework are encouraging tertiary hospitals to install advanced imaging tools, including intraoperative MRIs, for oncology and neurology procedures. Pilot projects in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen aim to improve surgical outcomes through AI-powered imaging integration.
• Germany: Germany, a leader in medical technology, has shown strong momentum in hybrid operating room integration, combining MRI with surgical navigation systems. Leading hospitals in Berlin and Munich are adopting intraoperative MRIs for brain tumor resections and spine surgeries. Partnerships between research institutions and global manufacturers are fostering innovation in real-time imaging accuracy and workflow efficiency. German regulatory support for digital health transformation also aids the rapid deployment of such advanced systems.
• India: India is witnessing gradual growth in intraoperative MRI adoption, driven by private hospital investments and an expanding medical tourism industry. High-end hospitals in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have introduced intraoperative MRI suites to enhance neurosurgical precision. Indian start-ups and radiology chains are collaborating to explore cost-effective, localized solutions. Despite high costs, growing awareness among surgeons and patients is pushing demand, particularly in tertiary and quaternary care centers.
• Japan: Japan’s aging population and technological expertise make it a fertile ground for intraoperative MRI adoption. Institutions such as Tokyo University Hospital are pioneering robotic-assisted surgeries complemented by MRI imaging. Japanese manufacturers like Hitachi and Canon are innovating compact intraoperative systems with improved magnetic shielding and noise control. Additionally, the government’s focus on precision medicine and digital health infrastructure underlines the country’s commitment to enhancing surgical accuracy and patient safety.
Features of the Global Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market
Market Size Estimates: Intraoperative mri equipment market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Intraoperative MRI equipment market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Intraoperative MRI equipment market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the intraoperative MRI equipment market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the intraoperative MRI equipment market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for intraoperative MRI equipment market?
Answer: The global intraoperative MRI equipment market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the intraoperative MRI equipment market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increase in adoption of minimally invasive procedure, the rising incidence of brain tumors & epilepsy, and the growing investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Q3. What are the major segments for intraoperative MRI equipment market?
Answer: The future of the intraoperative MRI equipment market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital, clinic, and cancer research institute markets.
Q4. Who are the key intraoperative MRI equipment market companies?
Answer: Some of the key intraoperative MRI equipment companies are as follows:
• Medtronic
• GE Healthcare
• Siemens
• Hitachi
• Koninklijke Philips
Q5. Which intraoperative MRI equipment market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, 1.5t system is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In intraoperative MRI equipment market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the intraoperative MRI equipment market by type (0.2t system, 1.5t system, 3.0t system, and others), application (hospitals, clinics, cancer research institutes, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Size, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Growth, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Analysis, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Report, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Share, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Trends, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Market Forecast, Intraoperative MRI Equipment Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.