Ultrasound Elastography 2025–2029: Breakthroughs Set to Transform Diagnostics & Profits Revealed

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary: Key Takeaways for 2025 and Beyond
• Market Size & Growth Forecast: 2025–2029
• Latest Technological Advances in Ultrasound Elastography
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies & Innovators
• Regulatory Landscape & Approvals: Global Perspectives
• Clinical Applications & Expanding Use Cases
• Integration with AI and Digital Health Platforms
• Adoption Drivers & Barriers Across Regions
• Investment, M&A, and Strategic Partnerships
• Future Outlook: Trends Set to Redefine the Industry
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Key Takeaways for 2025 and Beyond

Ultrasound elastography solutions are positioned for significant growth and clinical adoption in 2025 and beyond, driven by continuous technological advancements, expanded indications, and increasing global demand for non-invasive diagnostic modalities. Elastography, which measures tissue stiffness to aid in disease characterization, is being rapidly integrated into routine clinical workflows, particularly for liver, breast, thyroid, and musculoskeletal assessments.

• Technological Innovations: Leading manufacturers such as Siemens Healthineers, GE HealthCare, Philips, and Canon Medical Systems have launched new platforms and software upgrades, enhancing image quality, quantification accuracy, and user workflow. In 2024, Samsung Medison introduced advanced shear wave and strain elastography features that streamline examinations and support clinical decision-making.
• Regulatory and Clinical Milestones: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European regulators have cleared several elastography-enabled systems for additional indications, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fibrosis staging. As of early 2025, Echosens and Hitachi, Ltd. continue to expand the clinical utility of their solutions, with new applications in pediatrics and oncology.
• Market Expansion and Accessibility: Portable and point-of-care elastography devices are gaining traction, especially in emerging markets and remote settings. FUJIFILM Healthcare and SuperSonic Imagine have introduced compact systems targeting broader accessibility and hospital outreach programs.
• Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered tools for automated measurement, segmentation, and workflow optimization are being embedded into new elastography platforms. Philips and GE HealthCare have announced AI enhancements to support reproducibility and diagnostic confidence, with real-time feedback and reporting improvements expected to reach clinical practice by late 2025.
• Outlook: The outlook for ultrasound elastography solutions is robust, with adoption accelerating across clinical specialties. Ongoing innovation, regulatory support, and the push for value-based care will continue to drive uptake and expand the technology’s clinical footprint through 2026 and beyond.

Market Size & Growth Forecast: 2025–2029

The global market for ultrasound elastography solutions is poised for significant growth during the 2025–2029 period, driven by the increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools in hepatology, oncology, and musculoskeletal imaging. Current trends in clinical guidelines and reimbursement practices are accelerating adoption, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific.

By 2025, leading manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include advanced elastography modalities such as shear wave and strain elastography. GE HealthCare highlights the integration of real-time, quantitative elastography in its LOGIQ series, targeting liver fibrosis staging and tumor characterization. Similarly, Siemens Healthineers continues to advance its Virtual Touch technology, broadening applications in breast and prostate imaging.

On a regional level, the adoption of elastography is accelerated by increasing screening programs for liver diseases and cancer. For example, Philips announced in late 2023 the expansion of elastography applications within its EPIQ and Affiniti ultrasound platforms, with a focus on accessible solutions for emerging markets.

Market growth is also underpinned by regulatory approvals and ongoing investment in research and development. Canon Medical Systems recently expanded elastography capabilities in their Aplio i-series, aiming to capture a larger segment of the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging markets. As artificial intelligence integration becomes more prevalent, companies such as Samsung Medison are expected to drive further innovation through automated quantification and workflow optimization.

Looking forward from 2025, industry stakeholders anticipate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the high single digits for ultrasound elastography solutions, fueled by technology upgrades, broader clinical acceptance, and favorable reimbursement changes. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are projected to contribute substantially to market expansion as healthcare infrastructure and awareness improve.

In summary, the 2025–2029 outlook for ultrasound elastography solutions is characterized by rapid technological advancement, wider clinical utilization, and strong investment from key industry players. With ongoing product launches, regulatory clearances, and expanding clinical indications, the market is well-positioned for sustained growth in the coming years.

Latest Technological Advances in Ultrasound Elastography

The landscape of ultrasound elastography is experiencing rapid technological advancement in 2025, as manufacturers and research institutions focus on increased accuracy, real-time imaging, and integration with artificial intelligence (AI). Elastography, which measures tissue stiffness to aid in the diagnosis of diseases such as liver fibrosis, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders, is evolving beyond conventional shear wave and strain imaging modalities.

Among notable developments, Siemens Healthineers recently updated its Virtual Touch IQ and elastography suite, incorporating improved algorithms for quantitative shear wave imaging and multiparametric tissue quantification. These updates provide clinicians with more detailed, reproducible data to assist in early disease detection and monitoring. Similarly, GE HealthCare has expanded its LOGIQ series with advanced elastography modules, emphasizing real-time two-dimensional (2D) shear wave imaging and auto-measurement tools that reduce operator variability and examination time.

Vendors such as Philips are pushing the boundaries by integrating AI into elastography analysis. Their AI-powered elastography solutions, introduced in late 2024, deliver automated region-of-interest (ROI) selection and instant quantification, increasing diagnostic confidence and workflow efficiency. These features are expected to become more widespread as regulatory approvals advance in 2025, supporting adoption in both developed and emerging markets.

Another significant trend is the miniaturization and portability of elastography devices. Companies like Fujifilm Healthcare are rolling out compact ultrasound platforms with integrated elastography capabilities, enabling point-of-care applications in remote or resource-limited settings. This aligns with the global push for decentralized healthcare and broader access to advanced diagnostics.

On the clinical front, industry groups such as the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) are actively updating guidelines for elastography use, reflecting both technical advances and new clinical evidence. The ongoing standardization efforts are expected to support cross-platform consistency and facilitate multi-center research collaborations over the next several years.

Looking ahead, the sector is poised for further innovation, with 3D elastography, multimodal imaging integration, and cloud-based data analytics on the horizon. The next few years will likely see broader adoption, driven by these technical improvements, ongoing validation studies, and increasing demand for noninvasive diagnostic solutions worldwide.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies & Innovators

The competitive landscape for ultrasound elastography solutions in 2025 is defined by dynamic innovation among major imaging equipment manufacturers, as well as a rising cohort of specialized technology developers. Key industry leaders are differentiating themselves through advanced features—such as multiparametric imaging, AI-powered quantification, and real-time workflow integration—while expanding clinical indications and global market reach.

• GE HealthCare continues to invest in its LOGIQ and Vivid ultrasound platforms, integrating shear wave and strain elastography modules for liver, breast, and musculoskeletal applications. In 2024–2025, the company has highlighted enhancements in user interface and AI-guided measurement tools, targeting greater consistency and operator independence.
• Philips maintains a strong market presence with its EPIQ and Affiniti ultrasound systems, which offer both point shear wave and 2D shear wave elastography. Recent updates focus on liver fibrosis assessment and expanded reporting tools for radiology workflow, with an emphasis on ease-of-use and accuracy.
• Canon Medical Systems Corporation has advanced its elastography portfolio with the Aplio i-series, introducing real-time elastography and Smart Fusion imaging. The company’s focus in 2025 is on comprehensive liver solutions, including steatosis quantification and integration with clinical decision support.
• Siemens Healthineers enhances its ACUSON portfolio with Virtual Touch quantification and 3D shear wave elastography. The 2025 outlook includes AI-powered lesion characterization and expanded connectivity for remote consultations, aligning with broader telemedicine trends.
• Mindray is expanding in both developed and emerging markets with its Resona and DC series, offering cost-effective elastography options. The company emphasizes accessibility and tailored packages for liver and thyroid imaging, targeting community hospitals and outpatient clinics.
• Niche innovators such as SuperSonic Imagine (acquired by Hologic) continue to push technological boundaries, with real-time ShearWave™ Elastography and multi-frequency imaging for detailed tissue characterization. In 2025, such companies are expected to focus on specialized clinical applications and integration with other diagnostic modalities.

Looking forward, the competitive landscape is set to intensify as regulatory approvals expand for new clinical indications—especially in oncology, hepatology, and rheumatology. Ongoing investments in AI, cloud-based analytics, and user-centric design are anticipated to further distinguish market leaders, while partnerships and collaborations are likely to accelerate the adoption of ultrasound elastography worldwide.

Regulatory Landscape & Approvals: Global Perspectives

The regulatory landscape for ultrasound elastography solutions is evolving rapidly as the technology becomes increasingly integral to noninvasive tissue characterization across a range of clinical applications. In 2025, regulatory agencies are focusing on both the safety and performance evaluation of advanced elastography modalities, including shear wave and strain imaging, as part of broader efforts to harmonize standards and facilitate market access globally.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to grant 510(k) clearances for new and upgraded elastography systems, emphasizing demonstration of substantial equivalence to predicate devices and robust clinical validation. Key players such as GE HealthCare and Philips have recently obtained clearances for their advanced elastography features, including liver stiffness quantification and multifrequency shear wave imaging, reflecting growing clinical demand for quantitative fibrosis assessment and oncology applications. The FDA is also paying closer attention to post-market surveillance and real-world evidence, encouraging manufacturers to participate in device registries and longitudinal studies.

In the European Union, the transition to the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) framework is prompting manufacturers to update their technical documentation and clinical data packages for ultrasound elastography solutions. Notified Bodies are scrutinizing performance claims and risk management processes, especially as elastography expands into new diagnostic domains such as thyroid, musculoskeletal, and prostate imaging. Companies like Siemens Healthineers and Canon Medical Systems Europe are actively adapting their regulatory strategies, supporting clinicians with comprehensive user training and post-market clinical follow-up.

In Asia-Pacific, regulatory pathways are being streamlined to foster innovation while maintaining patient safety. For example, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has updated guidance for AI-powered diagnostic ultrasound, including elastography modules, requiring enhanced clinical evidence and cybersecurity measures. Local manufacturers such as Mindray are expanding their international certifications to access both domestic and export markets.

Looking ahead, global regulatory convergence efforts—such as those led by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF)—are expected to reduce duplicative requirements and support faster access to innovative elastography solutions. As clinical evidence grows and regulatory frameworks mature, the outlook for safe and effective deployment of ultrasound elastography technologies worldwide remains highly positive for 2025 and beyond.

Clinical Applications & Expanding Use Cases

In 2025, the clinical landscape for ultrasound elastography solutions continues to broaden, driven by technological advances and growing evidence supporting their utility in diverse medical fields. Traditionally established as a non-invasive tool for evaluating liver fibrosis, elastography is now being routinely applied to a wider range of organs and pathologies. Medical centers are increasingly integrating shear wave and strain elastography into their diagnostic protocols for thyroid, breast, prostate, and musculoskeletal assessments.

Recent years have seen the development of multiparametric ultrasound systems, enabling clinicians to combine elastography with contrast and Doppler imaging for more comprehensive tissue characterization. For example, GE HealthCare and Philips have launched elastography platforms that allow simultaneous assessment of tissue stiffness and vascularity, enhancing the diagnostic confidence for applications such as differentiating benign from malignant lesions in the breast and thyroid.

Musculoskeletal applications are a growing frontier. Devices from Siemens Healthineers and Canon Medical Systems are enabling clinicians to assess tendon integrity, monitor muscle stiffness in rehabilitation, and detect early changes in inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases. In oncology, elastography is increasingly used for the characterization of lymph nodes and guiding biopsy decisions, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.

Pediatric and transplant medicine are also seeing expanded uses. For instance, liver elastography is now recommended in guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) screening in children and post-transplant fibrosis monitoring, reflecting growing confidence in the technology’s reproducibility and safety profile.

Looking ahead, integration with artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to further elevate elastography’s clinical value. Companies like Samsung Medison are piloting AI-assisted quantification tools, aiming to standardize elastography interpretation and support earlier detection of subtle pathological changes.

With ongoing clinical trials and new data anticipated in the next few years, the scope of ultrasound elastography is likely to expand into cardiology—assessing myocardial stiffness—and into point-of-care settings, leveraging portable and handheld platforms to support rapid bedside assessments. The convergence of technical innovation and clinical validation is expected to solidify ultrasound elastography as an essential, versatile diagnostic modality across global healthcare systems.

Integration with AI and Digital Health Platforms

The integration of ultrasound elastography solutions with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health platforms is accelerating rapidly in 2025, heralding a new era in diagnostic imaging and workflow optimization. Leading manufacturers are embedding advanced AI algorithms directly into ultrasound systems to enhance image quality, automate quantification, and provide clinical decision support. For example, Siemens Healthineers has integrated AI-powered tools within its elastography-enabled ultrasound platforms to assist clinicians in liver fibrosis assessment and breast lesion characterization, streamlining interpretation and reducing variability.

Interoperability with hospital digital health ecosystems is another key trend. Major players such as GE HealthCare are enabling real-time data transfer from elastography exams directly into electronic medical records (EMR) and radiology information systems (RIS). This allows clinicians to access quantitative stiffness data and annotated elastograms alongside other patient health information, supporting multidisciplinary care and longitudinal disease tracking. Secure cloud-based platforms offered by manufacturers enable remote review and consultation, a feature that is particularly valuable in telemedicine and for rural healthcare providers.

AI-driven automation is also enhancing reproducibility and throughput. Canon Medical Systems has deployed machine learning-based algorithms that automatically identify anatomical landmarks and generate elastography measurements with minimal user input. This reduces operator dependency and enables standardized reporting, which is critical for monitoring chronic liver disease and cancer patients over time.

Looking ahead to the next few years, industry roadmaps indicate a focus on expanding AI capabilities from individual image analysis to population health applications. Companies such as Philips are investing in platforms that aggregate elastography data at scale, integrating it with other diagnostic and genomic information for predictive analytics and personalized medicine initiatives. Collaboration with digital health innovators and health systems is expected to accelerate, ensuring ultrasound elastography becomes a seamless part of AI-enabled diagnostic pathways.

• Siemens Healthineers: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/ultrasound
• GE HealthCare: https://www.gehealthcare.com/products/ultrasound
• Canon Medical Systems: https://www.canon-europe.com/medical/products/ultrasound/ultrasound-elastography/
• Philips: https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2023/20231127-philips-launches-ai-powered-ultrasound-compact-system.html

Adoption Drivers & Barriers Across Regions

The global adoption of ultrasound elastography solutions is shaped by a dynamic interplay of technological advancements, regulatory policies, clinical demand, and regional healthcare infrastructure. As of 2025, the acceleration of adoption is particularly evident in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, while infrastructural and economic barriers persist in lower-resource markets.

Drivers:

• Technological Innovation: Continuous enhancements—such as real-time shear wave imaging, multi-parametric assessment, and integration with artificial intelligence—have improved diagnostic confidence and workflow efficiency. Companies like GE HealthCare and Philips are expanding their elastography portfolios to offer both point-of-care and advanced radiology systems.
• Regulatory Approvals and Guidelines: The endorsement of ultrasound elastography in clinical guidelines—such as for liver fibrosis staging—by regulatory and professional bodies in the US, Europe, and Asia has catalyzed installation rates in tertiary centers and private clinics. Siemens Healthineers and Canon Medical Systems have received clearances for their elastography applications in multiple jurisdictions.
• Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases: With the increasing prevalence of liver diseases, cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders, demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools is surging. In China and India, government-driven screening programs are fostering elastography adoption in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Non-Invasiveness: Compared to biopsy and MRI, ultrasound elastography offers a safer, faster, and more accessible alternative, expanding its appeal in resource-constrained hospitals.

Barriers:

• Capital Investment and Reimbursement Challenges: The upfront cost of advanced elastography-capable ultrasound systems remains a significant hurdle, especially in small clinics and emerging economies. Reimbursement policies for elastography procedures are still evolving, limiting wider uptake outside of specialized centers.
• Training and Workflow Integration: Successful deployment requires skilled operators and standardized protocols. Lack of comprehensive training and awareness remains an impediment, particularly outside major urban centers.
• Infrastructure Gaps: In regions with limited imaging infrastructure, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Latin America, adoption is hampered by inadequate power supply, maintenance capabilities, and digital health networks.

Outlook (2025 and beyond): Industry leaders like Echosens are expanding global partnerships and introducing portable solutions to address regional disparities. As clinical evidence grows and cost barriers recede, broader adoption is expected, with Asia-Pacific likely to see the fastest growth due to large patient populations and supportive health policies.

Investment, M&A, and Strategic Partnerships

The ultrasound elastography sector is witnessing sustained investment momentum and strategic activity as leading companies and emerging innovators seek to capitalize on the growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic imaging. In 2025, established medical imaging giants are expanding their elastography portfolios through both organic investment and targeted acquisitions, aiming to integrate advanced shear wave and strain elastography modalities into broader ultrasound systems. Notably, GE HealthCare continues to commit resources to R&D for new elastography-enabled ultrasound platforms, while also exploring partnerships with AI and software firms to enhance image analysis and workflow efficiency.

Strategic collaborations have become a defining trend. Siemens Healthineers has entered into joint development agreements with academic institutions and specialized technology providers to co-develop novel elastography applications, especially targeting liver disease and oncology diagnostics. Such alliances aim to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation solutions and facilitate regulatory approvals in key global markets over the next several years.

Mergers and acquisitions are shaping the competitive landscape. In early 2025, Philips announced the acquisition of a boutique ultrasound technology firm with proprietary algorithms for quantitative elastography, bolstering Philips’ ability to deliver integrated, AI-powered diagnostic tools. Similarly, Canon Medical Systems Corporation has expanded its elastography capabilities through minority investments in start-ups focused on musculoskeletal and breast imaging innovation.

• Mindray Medical International increased its capital expenditure for 2025–2027 to support a new elastography R&D hub, reflecting its intent to address regional markets with tailored solutions and to compete directly with Western incumbents.
• Hologic has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with a European elastography technology developer, aiming to complement its women’s health portfolio with advanced tissue characterization tools.

Looking ahead, the outlook for investment and partnership activity in ultrasound elastography remains robust. Market participants are expected to prioritize alliances that accelerate AI integration, cloud-based data services, and point-of-care innovations. As clinical validation expands and reimbursement pathways improve, further consolidation and cross-sector collaborations—especially with digital health and biotech firms—are anticipated through 2026 and beyond.

Future Outlook: Trends Set to Redefine the Industry

Ultrasound elastography solutions are experiencing rapid innovation as the industry moves into 2025, with several trends poised to redefine clinical practice and technology deployment in the coming years. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is accelerating, enabling more automated and accurate interpretation of elastography data. For example, Philips has expanded its AI-powered ultrasound portfolio, emphasizing enhanced tissue characterization and improved workflow efficiency.

Another significant trend is the expansion of quantitative elastography techniques across broader clinical applications. Shear wave and strain elastography are increasingly being utilized not just in hepatology, but also in assessing thyroid, breast, prostate, and musculoskeletal conditions. Samsung Medison and Siemens Healthineers have released advanced systems that support multi-organ elastography, reflecting the rising demand for comprehensive, one-platform diagnostic tools.

Portability and point-of-care (POC) solutions are also gaining momentum. Compact, handheld elastography devices are making inroads in emergency departments and remote clinics, democratizing access to advanced diagnostics. GE HealthCare continues to expand its Vscan Air series, which includes elastography capabilities, aiming to support faster triage and monitoring outside traditional hospital settings.

Regulatory milestones and clinical guideline updates are expected in 2025 and beyond, as more longitudinal data validates elastography’s role in patient management. Leading manufacturers are collaborating with academic centers and medical societies to establish standardized protocols and reference values, which will be critical for widespread adoption. Canon Medical Systems is actively involved in multi-center studies to refine quantitative parameters and expand clinical indications.

• AI-driven automation will improve consistency and reduce operator dependency.
• Multi-organ elastography platforms are set to become standard in new equipment releases.
• Handheld and wireless devices will accelerate adoption in diverse care settings.
• Standardization of measurement protocols will enhance comparability and clinical confidence.

Overall, as healthcare systems seek cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic pathways, ultrasound elastography solutions are positioned for significant growth, with technology leaders and clinical stakeholders collaborating to shape the next phase of innovation and adoption.

Sources & References

• Siemens Healthineers
• GE HealthCare
• Philips
• Echosens
• Hitachi, Ltd.
• FUJIFILM Healthcare
• European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB)
• SuperSonic Imagine
• Hologic
• Samsung Medison