U.S. Demand for Implants to Reach $43.6 Billion in 2011

Demand for implantable medical devices is projected to increase 9.3% annually to $43.6 billion in 2011, according to Freedonia Group, Inc., an independent market research group based in Cleveland, OH.

Although weakened over the past few years by product recalls and safety controversies, especially in the cardiac implant segment, growth will remain strong. The development of next generation devices based on new technologies and improved materials will rectify recent performance problems experienced by implantable cardiac rhythm devices and lessen the thrombosis risk of drug-eluting coronary stents.

Shortcomings in existing drug therapies will promote the increasing use of implantable devices in the treatment and management of cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, ophthalmic, and various other chronic disorders. These and other trends are presented in "Implantable Medical Devices," a new study from the Freedonia Group.

Based on the prevalence and mortality risk of heart disease, cardiac implants will remain the top-selling group of implantable medical devices, with demand expanding 9% annually to $19.6 billion in 2011. Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRT -Ds), carotid and drug-eluting coronary stents, endovascular stent-grafts, implantable heart monitors, and tissue heart valves will post the strongest gains.

Outcome advantages over drugs in the treatment of congestive heart failure will boost the patient base for CRT -Ds. For the full report, visit www.freedoniagroup.com and select "Medical & Pharmaceutical Products" from the pull-down menu.