North America Near Infrared Imaging Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The North America Near Infrared (NIR) Imaging Market is expanding rapidly as demand grows for advanced imaging techniques in oncology, cardiovascular care, and surgical guidance.

• NIR imaging provides real-time visualization of tissue perfusion, lymph nodes, and tumor margins, improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision.

• Core products include NIR fluorescence imaging systems, handheld NIR devices, reagents/dyes (such as indocyanine green), and integrated surgical visualization platforms.

• Increasing adoption in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries in North America is fueling market growth.

• Technological advancements such as dual-modality imaging, portable handheld devices, and AI-enhanced visualization are driving innovation.

• Rising incidence of chronic diseases and cancer in North America has boosted demand for early and accurate diagnostics.

• Hospitals and surgical centers are leading adopters, but outpatient facilities are increasingly using portable NIR devices.

• Challenges include high equipment costs, dye safety concerns, and limited awareness in emerging regions of North America.

North America Near Infrared Imaging Market Size and Forecast

The North America Near Infrared Imaging Market is projected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2025 to USD 2.5 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 14.5%. Growth is driven by the increasing adoption of fluorescence-guided surgeries, particularly in oncology and cardiovascular interventions. Hospitals in North America are investing in hybrid operating rooms equipped with NIR-compatible imaging systems to support complex surgical procedures. Expanding indications of NIR dyes and growing regulatory approvals are broadening clinical use cases. Local production of imaging systems and consumables in North America is expected to reduce costs and enhance affordability in the coming years.

Introduction

Near Infrared (NIR) imaging is a non-invasive optical technique used for visualizing tissues, blood flow, and molecular structures in real-time. It utilizes near-infrared light (700–900 nm wavelength) to penetrate biological tissues and highlight key diagnostic or surgical targets. In North America, NIR imaging is being adopted for applications such as cancer detection, cardiovascular diagnosis, intraoperative surgical guidance, and preclinical research. The market encompasses imaging devices, dyes/agents, and integrated surgical systems. Demand is rising with the shift toward minimally invasive procedures, precision surgery, and better patient outcomes. Despite strong adoption, limitations such as equipment costs and limited awareness hinder widespread penetration.

Future Outlook

By 2031, NIR imaging in North America will become a routine tool in surgical oncology, cardiovascular interventions, and robotic-assisted procedures. Expansion of molecular imaging agents and AI-driven image interpretation will further enhance precision. Portable and handheld NIR devices will penetrate outpatient and resource-limited healthcare settings, broadening accessibility. Sustainability and cost control will push manufacturers toward reusable devices and optimized reagents. Partnerships between device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies will accelerate adoption of NIR-guided drug delivery and clinical trial applications. Overall, North America is positioned to emerge as a key hub for innovation and adoption of NIR imaging in clinical and research settings.

North America Near Infrared Imaging Market Trends

• Expansion of NIR in Surgical Oncology
  In North America, NIR imaging is being increasingly adopted for fluorescence-guided surgery to identify tumor margins and metastatic lymph nodes. This application helps reduce recurrence by ensuring complete tumor removal. Surgeons benefit from improved visualization during minimally invasive and robotic procedures, leading to shorter recovery times and better outcomes. With rising cancer cases, oncology remains the largest application segment for NIR imaging. Hospitals are equipping operating rooms with integrated NIR platforms to support complex oncological procedures, making this trend a critical growth driver.

• Integration of AI and Robotics with NIR Imaging
  Artificial intelligence and robotics are being combined with NIR imaging in North America to provide greater precision in intraoperative guidance. Robotic surgical systems now feature integrated NIR fluorescence capabilities, enhancing the accuracy of procedures such as hysterectomies, prostatectomies, and cardiovascular surgeries. AI-enabled software assists in interpreting NIR signals and mapping perfusion in real-time. This convergence of technologies is accelerating adoption across premium hospitals and specialty centers in North America.

• Growing Demand for Portable and Handheld Devices
  Portable and handheld NIR devices are gaining traction in outpatient and rural healthcare settings in North America. These devices are compact, cost-effective, and suitable for quick diagnostic assessments or bedside surgical assistance. They allow wider adoption beyond major hospitals, particularly in emergency and ambulatory care settings. Manufacturers are focusing on battery efficiency, wireless connectivity, and affordability to expand their reach in North America’s growing healthcare markets.

• Development of New Imaging Agents and Dyes
  While indocyanine green (ICG) remains the gold standard, new dyes and targeted agents are being developed in North America for higher specificity in imaging. These next-generation agents are designed for enhanced tumor targeting, cardiovascular mapping, and lymphatic imaging. Regulatory approvals for new agents will broaden applications, improving accuracy and clinical confidence. Pharmaceutical companies in North America are collaborating with device makers to co-develop targeted imaging solutions for clinical trials and therapeutic monitoring.

• Adoption in Cardiovascular and Neurological Imaging
  Beyond oncology, NIR imaging is expanding into cardiovascular procedures for assessing perfusion during bypass surgeries and neurological interventions to visualize blood-brain barrier permeability. Hospitals in North America are increasingly adopting NIR for intraoperative guidance in neurosurgery and stroke management. These expanded applications are diversifying market opportunities and ensuring sustained growth across multiple clinical disciplines.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Burden of Cancer and Chronic Diseases
  The increasing incidence of cancers and cardiovascular diseases in North America is fueling adoption of NIR imaging. Surgeons use fluorescence-guided surgery to detect tumors, while cardiologists rely on perfusion visualization to guide interventions. With chronic disease burden rising, hospitals are under pressure to adopt advanced diagnostic and surgical imaging tools. This driver ensures sustained demand across multiple therapeutic areas.

• Technological Advancements in Imaging Systems
  Advances in NIR-compatible surgical systems, portable imaging devices, and integrated robotic platforms are improving usability and performance. Hospitals in North America are increasingly adopting these advanced systems to deliver precision surgery. Enhanced resolution, deeper tissue penetration, and dual-modality integration are pushing adoption further. Technology progress is a strong catalyst for market expansion.

• Increasing Adoption of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgeries
  The rise of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries in North America is creating demand for NIR imaging solutions. These procedures require real-time visualization of tissues and perfusion to reduce complications and improve surgical outcomes. NIR imaging provides the precision needed for such advanced surgeries, ensuring its integration into operating rooms across North America.

• Government and Regulatory Support
  Governments in North America are prioritizing cancer detection, surgical safety, and advanced imaging technologies through healthcare funding and regulatory approvals. Subsidies for high-tech surgical equipment and accelerated approvals of dyes are supporting market growth. Public health policies promoting early detection and advanced surgical interventions will further accelerate adoption.

• Rising Research and Clinical Trial Applications
  NIR imaging is widely used in preclinical research and clinical trials to monitor drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. In North America, academic institutions and research organizations are increasingly adopting NIR platforms. Pharmaceutical companies are also investing in NIR-compatible devices for oncology and cardiovascular drug trials. This research-driven demand supports consistent growth in adoption and innovation.

Challenges in the Market

• High Cost of Imaging Systems
  Advanced NIR imaging systems integrated into surgical suites are expensive, making adoption challenging for smaller hospitals in North America. High acquisition and maintenance costs limit penetration in rural and resource-constrained regions. While portable devices provide some relief, affordability remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

• Limited Awareness and Training
  Despite proven benefits, awareness of NIR imaging remains limited among surgeons and clinicians in North America. Lack of training programs and unfamiliarity with fluorescence-guided surgery slow adoption. Continuous education and skill development programs are required to expand usage across hospitals and clinics.

• Safety and Regulatory Issues with Dyes
  Imaging agents like indocyanine green are associated with rare adverse reactions and require strict dosage regulation. Approval processes for new dyes are complex and time-consuming, slowing innovation. Hospitals in North America are cautious in adopting new agents until safety is fully validated. This limits the speed of market expansion in the consumables segment.

• Competition from Alternative Imaging Modalities
  Established imaging methods like MRI, CT, and PET continue to dominate diagnostic workflows in North America. While NIR is highly effective for intraoperative guidance, competition from alternative imaging modalities delays its adoption in certain procedures. Hospitals must justify investments by balancing NIR with existing systems.

• Supply Chain and Localization Challenges
  NIR devices require advanced optics, sensors, and dyes, many of which are imported. In North America, supply chain disruptions and dependency on foreign manufacturing raise costs and limit availability. Local production capacity is limited, restricting scalability. Over time, building domestic manufacturing hubs will be necessary to address these bottlenecks.

North America Near Infrared Imaging Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Systems

• Handheld Imaging Devices

• Reagents & Dyes

• Integrated Surgical Platforms

By Application

• Oncology

• Cardiovascular Surgery

• Neurology

• Preclinical & Clinical Research

• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals & Surgical Centers

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

• Diagnostic Clinics

• Research Institutes

Leading Key Players

• Stryker Corporation

• Karl Storz SE & Co. KG

• Olympus Corporation

• Medtronic plc

• PerkinElmer Inc.

• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

• Shimadzu Corporation

• Leica Microsystems (Danaher)

• Fluoptics

• Quest Medical Imaging

Recent Developments

• Stryker Corporation introduced a new fluorescence-guided surgical system in North America with AI-enhanced perfusion imaging.

• Olympus Corporation launched portable NIR handheld devices targeting outpatient surgical applications in North America.

• PerkinElmer Inc. expanded its NIR imaging dye portfolio in North America for oncology research applications.

• Karl Storz SE partnered with hospitals in North America to equip robotic-assisted surgical suites with NIR fluorescence modules.

• Fluoptics developed advanced intraoperative NIR imaging software integrated into hybrid operating rooms in North America.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected size and CAGR of the North America Near Infrared Imaging Market by 2031?

2. Which clinical segments—oncology, cardiovascular, neurology—are driving the fastest adoption?

3. How do technology innovations and AI integration impact NIR imaging adoption in North America?

4. What barriers related to cost, dye safety, and awareness hinder the market?

5. Who are the key companies leading this market, and what innovations are they pursuing in North America?