Demand for Implantable Medical Devices to Reach $52 Billion in 2015

US demand for implantable medical devices is forecast to increase 7.7 percent annually to $52 billion in 2015, benefiting from technological advances and the development of next generation devices that should increase patient and provider confidence in implant products.  Demand will also benefit from the lack of alternative treatments for many chronic disorders and injuries.  Over the long term, sales for medical implants will be challenged as insurance providers tighten control over implantation costs.  However, the ability of medical implants to reduce overall treatment cost for many conditions, including osteoarthritis and chronic heart failure, will work in favor of growth for these products.  These and other trends, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in Implantable Medical Devices, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.  

Orthopedic implants will remain the largest implantable device segment in market value.  US demand for orthopedic implants is forecast to increase 8.8 percent annually to $29.4 billion in 2015, spurred by technological improvements and safety enhancements.  Advances will also reflect the growing prevalence of degenerative musculoskeletal disorders and lifestyle changes that place people at risk for sports and exercise injuries.  At the same time, as products become more durable and long-lived, demand will increasingly come from an enlarged patient base for new surgeries rather than for replacements.  Also challenging this segment over the long term will be advances in pharmaceutical alternatives to treat arthritic conditions.  However, the segment will benefit from a strong base of insurance approvals for orthopedic implants, as well as a stable and well-funded medical delivery system and product designs that allow for less invasive surgeries. 

Cardiovascular implants have strong potential to reduce the overall treatment cost for heart disease, and at the same time contribute significantly to improved quality of life.  Demand for these devices is expected to expand 5.1 percent annually to $14.6 billion in 2015.  Pacing devices will realize the greatest sales gains, largely due to growth in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).  A focus on developing new generations of pacing devices that reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes has resulted in greater pricing flexibility in an increasingly cost-conscious health care environment.  Demand for cardiovascular stents and related devices will be similar to that of demand for pacing devices.  The fastest growth will be in structural implants, as technological advances in heart valves, ventricular-assist devices and implantable monitors will encourage greater use.   

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.