- Search interest for “handheld ultrasound” increased by 488% since 2010, reaching an average index of 43.4 in 2025.
- South Dakota and Kentucky are the states with the highest interest (100) in handheld ultrasound.
- Despite making up only 3.1% of the ultrasound market, handheld devices are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7% through 2030.
Handheld ultrasound devices are transforming medical imaging, bringing diagnostic power to the bedside and beyond. By analyzing both public search interest and real-world clinical usage, a new report by RIVANNA reveals the trajectory of handheld ultrasound adoption in the United States, as a valuable complement to cart ultrasounds.
Search Interest in Handheld Ultrasound
- Search interest for “handheld ultrasound” rose from 0 in 2004–2005 to an average of 43.4 in 2025—a 488% increase since 2010. The search interest index is a number from 0 to 100 that shows how popular a search term is on Google over time.
- The biggest jumps occurred after 2010, with a consistent year-over-year rise in public curiosity and awareness.
Top 5 States by Search Interest:
- South Dakota: 100
- Kentucky: 100
- Alabama: 50
- West Virginia: 50
- North Dakota: 50
Clinical Usage and Market Share
Our analysis looked at how handheld ultrasound devices are being used in clinical practice and how they compare to other types of ultrasound systems in the U.S. healthcare market. The data shows the current market share for handheld, portable, and traditional cart-based ultrasound devices, highlights which medical specialties are adopting handheld technology most rapidly, and details how many devices are in use across different specialties. This overview provides a snapshot of where handheld ultrasound stands today and how quickly it is gaining ground.
- Market Segmentation:
- Cart/Trolley-based systems: 67.8%
- Portable ultrasound (includes some handheld): 29.8%
- Handheld ultrasound: 3.1%
- Growth Potential:
Handheld devices are the fastest-growing segment, with a projected CAGR of 24.7% through 2030. - Current Market Value:
$315 million (2024), expected to reach $438 million by 2030.
Specialty Adoption Patterns
- Acute Care Leads:
- Critical Care: 93% adoption
- Emergency Medicine: 89%
- Other Specialties:
- Anesthesiology: 83%
- Hospital Medicine: 64%
- Surgery: 54%
- Radiology: 45%
Complementary Roles with Cart Ultrasound
While handheld ultrasounds are revolutionizing many aspects of diagnostic imaging, they do not necessarily replace traditional cart-based systems:
- Image Quality: Cart-based systems sometimes offer superior image resolution and advanced imaging modes for complex diagnostics, particularly in specialties like radiology and cardiology, though the latest handheld devices are increasingly competitive and can outperform older cart models in many clinical scenarios.
- High-Volume Use: Handheld devices excel at rapid, focused assessments and are increasingly capable of continuous, high-volume imaging. Modern handheld devices can also handle demanding clinical workflows previously associated primarily with cart-based systems.
- Future Innovation: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced needle guidance technologies in cart-based systems will enable real-time, precision navigation during procedures, making ultrasound-guided interventions safer, more efficient, and accessible across diverse clinical settings.
- Clinical Decision Factors: Whether handheld or cart-based products are preferred depends on multiple factors, including clinical preference, budget constraints, workflow requirements, specialty needs, and AI integration capabilities. The advantages and limitations of each platform are increasingly nuanced rather than straightforward.
“In the evolving ultrasound landscape, handheld devices serve a distinct purpose alongside cart-based systems. Some handhelds today can outperform older cart machines in cost-effectiveness and ease of use, but they are not a wholesale replacement. New cart-based ultrasounds still provide superior imaging and advanced technology in many specialty areas. Both coexist to meet diverse clinical demands.” – Dr. Stephen Garber, Anesthesiologist, California.
Key Findings
- The surge in search interest mirrors the rapid clinical adoption of handheld ultrasound, especially in acute care settings.
- Despite making up just 3.1% of the market, handheld devices are expanding at nearly six times the rate of traditional systems.
- Critical Care and Emergency Medicine are leading the charge, reflecting the demand for fast, bedside diagnostics.
- Lower handheld adoption in Radiology shows that high-end imaging remains the domain of traditional systems.
- Handheld ultrasound is expected to continue outpacing other segments, fueled by rising awareness, improving technology, and integration into medical education.
Methodology
Search Interest
- Source: Google Trends (“handheld ultrasound”)
- Timeframe: January 2004 – July 2025
- Coverage: U.S. national and state-level data
- Data Processing: Normalized monthly values (0–100 scale), annual averages, state-by-state analysis
Clinical Usage and Market Share
- Sources: Market research, specialty adoption surveys, device distribution reports
- Metrics: Market share by device type, unit counts by specialty, annual growth rates
Statistical Analysis
- Descriptive statistics for trend and growth analysis
- Year-over-year growth calculations
- Geographic distribution analysis
Limitations
- Google Trends data reflects search interest, not direct device purchases
- Usage data is a snapshot, not a longitudinal trend
- Market projections may be affected by regulatory or technological changes