A spinal cord stimulation device is an implanted apparatus designed to alleviate pain by sending low-level electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. This device is primarily utilized when non-surgical pain management methods fail to yield adequate relief. Furthermore, it can enhance the overall quality of life and improve sleep patterns. Typically prescribed alongside other pain management strategies, it significantly reduces the reliance on pain medications. The growth of the spinal cord stimulator device market is driven by the increasing incidence of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and the emergence of innovative treatment options.
With the evolution of medical science and the introduction of effective therapies, various spinal cord stimulators are now available for treatment purposes. The advantages of these devices?such as portability, ease of use, and efficacy?combined with a rising number of product approvals and innovations, are expected to boost the demand for spinal cord stimulator devices in the near future. Below are some notable advancements and approvals in the spinal cord stimulator device market:
- In October 2023, Boston Scientific Corp received FDA approval for the WaveWriter Alpha SCS systems, aimed at treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a condition affecting patients' lower limbs.
- In August 2023, Medtronic plc obtained the CE Mark for its Inceptiv, a closed-loop rechargeable spinal cord stimulator (SCS). This device is the first of its kind from the company to feature a closed-loop system, capable of sensing each patient's unique biological signals and adjusting stimulation accordingly to provide synchronized therapy with daily activities.
- In August 2022, Abbott Laboratories secured FDA approval for its Proclaim Plus SCS system, designed for chronic pain management. Utilizing BurstDR stimulation technology, this device offers enhanced pain relief and features FlexBurst360 therapy, which provides comprehensive pain coverage across the trunk and limbs, adaptable to the patient's changing therapeutic needs.
- In September 2020, Boston Scientific launched the WaveWriter Alpha portfolio of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) systems in Europe. This portfolio includes four MRI-compatible, Bluetooth-enabled implantable pulse generators (IPGs) with various personalization options tailored to patient requirements. These systems are available in both rechargeable and non-rechargeable formats, addressing multiple pain areas.
Such innovations and regulatory approvals from various industry players are pivotal in driving the growth of the spinal cord stimulator device market.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), approximately 250,000 to 500,000 individuals experience spinal cord injuries (SCIs) globally each year. A report from the Association for Spinal Injury Research, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (Aspire, UK) indicates that around 2,500 new SCI cases are diagnosed annually in the UK, with approximately 50,000 individuals currently living with these injuries. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) estimates that about 320,000 people in the US are living with traumatic SCIs. The increasing number of cases is partly attributed to the popularity of motocross and motorcycling, as noted in a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Additionally, SCIs are prevalent among the elderly population. Data from the World Bank's development indicators in 2022 shows that 22.41% of Germany's population is over 65 years old. An article published by MDPI states that the prevalence of traumatic SCIs is approximately 500 per million inhabitants, with an incidence rate of 13 per million globally.
The impact of SCIs is profound, affecting not only the patients but also their families. The rising incidence of SCIs necessitates ongoing treatment, often leading to at least one hospital readmission per year due to complications such as respiratory and urinary tract infections or fractures from activities like motorcycling. As the number of SCIs increases and with the availability of well-equipped rehabilitation centers, the demand for spinal cord stimulation devices is rising, particularly in specialized rehabilitation facilities.
Geographically, the spinal cord stimulator device market is divided into several regions: North America (including the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (comprising the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (including China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of the region), and South & Central America (including Brazil, Argentina, and the rest of the region). In 2022, North America held the largest share of the global spinal cord stimulator devices market, driven by technological advancements, a rising number of spinal cord injuries, government support for product development, and the presence of major market players. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The US accounted for the largest share of the North American market in 2022, with growth fueled by the increasing incidence of spinal cord injuries, a growing number of product launches, and supportive government initiatives. According to Spinal Cord Inc., approximately 18,000 individuals in the US suffer from spinal cord injuries annually, with the NSCISC reporting around 320,000 people living with traumatic spinal cord injuries. In response to the rising cases, several advanced spinal cord stimulator devices have received FDA approval, including Abbott's Eterna spinal cord stimulation system, which was approved in December 2022 as the smallest rechargeable implantable spinal cord stimulator available for chronic pain treatment.
Key sources for this report on the spinal cord stimulator device market include ClinicalTrials.com, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).