Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a cornerstone of neurocritical care, providing real-time insight into brain status for patients with traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Despite its clinical importance, the global ICP monitoring market remains small, slow-growing, and resistant to disruption. According to GlobalData, the market is expected to grow modestly at 2.4% annually—from $75.5m in 2025 to $84.5m in 2030—with over 300,000 devices projected to be used globally in 2025.
The widespread adoption of ICP monitoring devices remains limited, partially due to persistent infrastructure challenges. Usage varies significantly by institution, with large trauma centres and academic hospitals far more likely to use ICP monitoring devices than smaller or rural facilities. Barriers to their use include staffing, training, and access to necessary equipment. Additionally, global procedural data is inconsistently reported, making it difficult to quantify true usage or estimate unmet need.
The market continues to be dominated by external ventricular drains (EVDs), which account for over 80% of invasive ICP monitoring devices. EVDs offer both cerebrospinal fluid drainage and pressure monitoring, and are supported by decades of procedural familiarity, reliable signal quality, and established reimbursement. While associated with risks such as infection or bleeding, EVDs remain the standard of care due to the lack of alternatives that significantly improve outcomes or workflows.
Microtransducer systems offer an option when drainage is not required, enabling continuous monitoring without the need for ventricular access. However, these devices face their own barriers, including complex placement procedures and limited reimbursement, especially in outpatient settings. Non-invasive tools such as transcranial Doppler and optic nerve sheath ultrasound are also being explored, although inconsistent accuracy and limited standalone validation restrict their uptake.
Rather than introducing novel technologies, recent innovations have focused on improving how ICP monitoring devices are used. Advances in insertion techniques, workflow integration, and clinician training aim to reduce variability and improve procedural success. At the same time, development is increasingly centred around hybrid microtransducer systems that combine pressure monitoring with other measurements, such as brain oxygenation or blood perfusion. These multifunctional tools could help facilities justify adopting newer equipment by aligning with broader care models.
As healthcare systems seek to extend the reach of neurocritical care, targeted innovation in both devices and delivery models will be essential. While mature and technically reliable, ICP monitoring will only see meaningful growth if it becomes more accessible, less procedurally burdensome, and more adaptable to a wider range of clinical settings.

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By GlobalData