Surgical Simulation Market

Surgical Simulation Market by Product & Service (Hardware/Software and Services), Application (Orthopedic Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Gynecological Surgery, Urology, and Others), Technology (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Others), End-User (Hospital & Clinics, Academic and Research Institutions, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2032 owing to the growing number of surgeries performed worldwide and technological advancements in surgical simulation devices.

The surgical simulation market was valued at USD 372.97 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.57% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 to reach USD 666.40 million by 2032. The demand for surgical simulation solutions is being primarily driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer. Additionally, the global increase in the number of surgical procedures, coupled with growing research and development (R&D) activities and continuous technological advancements in simulation devices, are key factors contributing to the positive growth of the surgical simulation market during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

Surgical Simulation Market Dynamics:

According to the data provided by the World Health Organization (2024), in 2022, approximately 20 million new cases of cancer were reported, and this number was estimated to increase to 35 million by 2050 across the globe. Surgical simulation enables surgeons to gain a comprehensive understanding of the size and location of tumors to optimize surgical planning and precision. Surgical simulation solutions facilitate surgeons to practice the complete surgical procedure, which helps to address potential challenges before performing the surgery. This advanced preparation leads to more efficient surgical outcomes and enhances overall operational effectiveness. Therefore, the rising prevalence of cancer is driving the market growth.

According to the World Health Organization (2023), over 300 million surgical procedures were conducted annually worldwide, while National Institutes of Health data (2024), in 2023, more than 15.8 million surgical procedures were performed globally. As per data from the Government of the United Kingdom (2024), in 2023, more than 516,073 people were admitted to hospitals for cataract surgery. Similarly, data from the Government of Saskatchewan in May 2024 reported that approximately 95,700 surgeries were performed in the fiscal year 2023-24 in Canada. This represents an increase of nearly 6,000 surgeries compared to the previous high volume recorded in the 2022-23 fiscal year. Surgical simulation tools help surgeons create virtual models of surgical sites to practice surgery. This practice helps to reduce errors and overcome challenges before actual surgery to improve patient health. Therefore, a rise in the number of surgeries performed across the globe is expected to propel the market growth.

Major players in the market are focusing their efforts on developing advanced surgical simulation technologies to improve surgical outcomes. For instance, in April 2022, Alcon launched FidelisTM virtual reality (VR) ophthalmic surgical simulator. Fidelis is a portable virtual reality (VR) tool for cataract surgery training. This virtual reality (VR) surgical simulator creates a real-time virtual operating room for cataract surgery, complete with haptic feedback that mimics the actual surgical procedure. It offers a hands-on training experience that helps surgeons practice and improve their skills. Such development by key players is expected to drive the market growth.

However, high equipment and maintenance costs and lack of availability in poor countries, among others, are some of the key constraints that may limit the growth of the surgical simulation market.

Surgical Simulation Market Segment Analysis:

Surgical Simulation Market by Product & Service (Hardware/Software and Services), Application (Orthopedic Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Gynecological Surgery, Urology, and Others), Technology (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Others), End-User (Hospital & Clinics, Academic and Research Institutions, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the product & service segment of the surgical simulation market, the hardware/software category is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2024. This can be attributed to the wide applications of hardware/software in virtual surgical practice. Surgical simulation software uses virtual reality (VR) that employs advanced computer-generated environments to create virtual surgical procedures. Surgeons interact with these immersive environments through specialized equipment, including VR headsets and controllers, to enhance their procedural skills and decision-making capabilities. These advantages help to reduce surgical errors to enhance patient health.

The rise in the number of surgeries performed worldwide is contributing to the growth of the segment. Surgical simulation hardware and software are mainly utilized in medical training to facilitate a controlled environment for medical students to practice and refine their techniques. These tools enable repeated practice of procedures, allowing medical professionals to build proficiency without the pressures and risks associated with real-life surgeries.

Key players in the market are advancing the field with innovative software solutions that support medical professionals in virtual planning and rehearsal of surgical procedures. For instance, in January 2023, Realize Medical announced that Elucis received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Elucis is a virtual reality (VR) software that enables medical professionals to rapidly create, visualize, and share intricate patient anatomy derived from CT and MRI scans within an immersive 3D environment. This technology facilitates a deeper understanding and more effective communication of complex anatomical details, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning. Such product development by key players is expected to drive the market growth. These cutting-edge tools enhance surgical preparation by providing detailed simulations and scenario practice, contributing to improved procedural outcomes and patient safety.

Given these factors, the hardware/software segment is expected to generate significant revenue and serve as a major contributor to the overall growth of the surgical simulation market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to dominate the overall surgical simulation market:

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the global surgical simulation market in 2024, supported by a combination of structural and strategic advantages. The region's market growth is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders, along with a growing geriatric population that is more susceptible to bone-related conditions. Moreover, an increasing number of surgical procedures performed along with continuous technological innovation and robust R&D initiatives by key industry players further contribute to the strong expansion of the surgical simulation market in North America.

According to GLOBOCAN (2024), in 2022, the number of cancer cases in the United States reached 2,380,189, with projections indicating a rise to 2,791,752 cases by 2030. In addition, data from the American Cancer Society (2025), approximately 2,041,910 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025. Surgical simulation tools such as laparoscopic simulation solutions are used to create virtual models of tumors to provide training and perform virtual surgeries. These tools are developed to create advanced laparoscopic simulation training solutions for surgeons. Therefore, a rise in cases of cancer is driving the market in the region.

According to the American Heart Association (2023), approximately 500,000 open-heart surgeries were performed annually in the U.S. Similarly, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reported over 1 million total joint replacements in 2022, underscoring the demand for surgical simulation. This rise in the number of surgical procedures is creating the demand for surgical simulation solutions, thereby driving the market growth.

Key players in the region are concentrating their efforts on research collaborations to develop innovative surgical simulation solutions to strengthen their position in the region. For instance, in April 2024, Orbis International and FundamentalVR launched an immersive virtual reality (VR) training solution for cataract surgery procedures. The tool is designed to facilitate the training of students in cataract surgery. It combines virtual reality, haptic feedback, cloud-based assessment data, and standard hardware to provide an effective solution for cataract surgical education.

Therefore, the rising cancer cases and surgical procedures performed, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and increasing R&D activities by key players are expected to drive the growth of the surgical simulation market in North America.

Surgical Simulation Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the surgical simulation market include Medtronic, CAE Inc., Elevate Healthcare Inc., InSimo SAS, Surgical Science Sweden AB, VirtaMed AG, Medical-X, Realize Medical, Laerdal Medical, Simulab Corporation, Inovus Limited, Limbs & Things LTD, Osso VR, Inc., Biomed Simulation, Inc., Gaumard Scientific, CMR Surgical Ltd., IKONA Health, Mentice, Surgical Theater, Inc., ImmersiveTouch, Inc., and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Surgical Simulation Market:

• In June 2025, 2EyesVision launched SimVis Gekko2 internationally, a cutting-edge device that lets patients preview post-surgery vision based on their chosen intraocular lens. Developed in Spain, it enhances the preoperative experience and improves communication between patients and professionals.
• In October 2023, Madison Industries completed the acquisition of CAE Healthcare, Inc. This acquisition is expected to bolster medical simulation and surgical training portfolio and enhance its global presence of Madison.
• In January 2022, Inovus Medical launched HystAR, a high-fidelity hysteroscopy simulator. The surgical simulator is integrated with augmented reality technology and a cloud-based learning platform with the natural haptics of simulated tissue models. This product provides a highly realistic, scalable, and tracked training experience for hysteroscopy skills development for medical professionals. 

Key takeaways from the surgical simulation market report study

• Market size analysis for the current surgical simulation market size (2024), and market forecast for 8 years (2025 to 2032)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the surgical simulation market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the surgical simulation market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2024? How these segments will perform in 2032?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current surgical simulation market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for the surgical simulation market growth in the future?

Target audience who can benefit from this surgical simulation market report study

• Surgical simulation product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies
• Surgical simulation-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and traders dealing in surgical simulation
• Various end-users who want to know more about the surgical simulation market and the latest technological developments in the surgical simulation market.