Market Trends of Global Hydrocephalus Shunts Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Hydrocephalus Shunts Market according to our research experts:
Hydrocephalus Catheters are Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
Catheters are an important part of managing hydrocephalus, and certain patient populations are at greater risk of developing shunt infections. Catheters divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the site with an excess volume of CSF to a location within the body where the CSF will be absorbed.
The proximal catheter (ventricular or lumbar catheter) drains excess CSF from the ventricles or the lumbar spinal sac through rows of small holes at its origin. Distal catheters are typically placed in the abdominal cavity. However, they can also be placed in the heart, pleural cavity (lungs), and other suitable locations where CSF is drained into the bloodstream.
Technological advancements in these devices to combat the issues of biocompatibility, infection, and fouling are expected to contribute to the segment's growth. For instance, some shunt catheter is impregnated with antibiotics to reduce the incidence of infection during the post-operative period, such as the CODMAN BACTISEAL catheter and the Medtronic Ares catheter. The Ares antibiotic-impregnated catheters help reduce bacterial colonization.
In addition, current research focuses on the potential redesign of the hydrocephalus catheters, which may boost the segment's growth. For instance, in 2020, MIT researchers published a paper in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, which proposes and validates a new design principle for hydrocephalus catheters. The design seeks to overcome a central challenge of these devices where they regularly become clogged. The new design principle could prevent catheter failure in brain shunts.
These products have attracted a significant amount of attention due to their potential prospects in the treatment of hydrocephalus and other brain disorders. Thus, such factors may boost the segment's growth significantly over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period
North America is expected to hold a significant market share due to the rise in the number of patients with hydrocephalus and the growing emphasis on the management of neurological disorders. As per the Hydrocephalus Association, in 2019, an estimated 1 million people in the United States were affected by hydrocephalus, and 1 in every 1,000 babies had hydrocephalus, thus leading to the adoption of hydrocephalus shunts and promoting the growth in this region.
The growth of the US market is attributed to the rising geriatric population, rising prevalence of brain and neurological disorders, and increasing adoption of advanced programmable valves. Such a large population base suffering from the disease is expected to drive the demand for these products. Product launches, approval, and increased focus by several players on their expanding product portfolios in neurosurgery will propel the US hydrocephalus shunts market. For instance, in 2020, Aesculap Inc., in partnership with Christoph Miethke GmbH & Co. KG, launched the M.blue Valve, the latest generation of hydrocephalus valve technology. Its unique gravitational technology is integrated with a fixed differential pressure unit in one valve, allowing for a simple, position-dependent solution.
Furthermore, increasing healthcare expenditure and the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure are fueling the regional market's growth to a large extent.
