Hydrocephalus Shunts Market expected to reach $ 0.32 Billion by 2027—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Hydrocephalus Shunts Market by Type and Age Group: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020–2027," the global hydrocephalus shunts market size was valued at $0.29 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $ 0.32 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 2.8% from 2020 to 2027. The human brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain cavity. CSF is produced by two lateral ventricles and further drained through the third & fourth ventricle post circulation of the fluid around the spinal cord and the brain. However, in hydrocephalic conditions, CSF remains contained in ventricles causing them to enlarge and exert pressure on surrounding tissues. This results in fluid accumulation within the brain and the condition is termed as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can be caused due to blockage of CSF flow, irregular circulation of CSF causing inadequate absorption, or due to smaller size of the brain. This condition can be present at the time of birth or can be acquired in later stages of life, owing to several factors such as brain injury, hemorrhage, and infections in the brain. Hydrocephalus can be classified into two types, namely, communicating and non-communicating. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when CSF flow is blocked at the surface of the brain. Non-communicating hydrocephalus involves CSF blockage within the fluid spaces of brain. If left untreated, the condition can be fatal or may damage the brain permanently. According to the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Health Organization, 50% of those who do not treat hydrocephalus are most likely to die and the other half survive with arrested hydrocephalus, physical disabilities, and serious brain damages. In addition, muscle weakness, nerve damage, seizures, impaired growth, hearing loss, and hormonal imbalances are some of complications associated with hydrocephalus. 

This growth rate is attributed to rise in prevalence of hydrocephalus worldwide, increase in occurrences of brain & neurological disorders, and shift in preferences of neurosurgeons toward latest shunt technologies such as antisiphon devices & advance programmable valves. Conversely, shunt malfunction & associated infections and availability of shunt-free treatment for hydrocephalus hamper the hydrocephalus shunts market growth. Moreover, developments in smart shunt technology provide profitable opportunities to key players for expanding their share in the global market. On the other hand, the overall impact of COVID-19 pandemic is expected to remain moderate for medical device companies in the hydrocephalus shunt industry. Companies are currently facing a set-back, owing to the lockdown has led to disruptions in supply chain activities across the globe. Nevertheless, this deleterious impact is anticipated to be compensated by increase in demand for programmable shunts for treating hydrocephalic patients across the world. Similarly, advent of disruptive technologies such as “eShunt system” are all set to propel the growth of hydrocephalus shunts market post pandemic.

On the basis of type, the hydrocephalus shunts market is categorized into ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, ventriculo-atrial shunts, ventriculo-pleural shunts, and lumbo-peritoneal shunts. The ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt segment is anticipated to garner largest revenue in the hydrocephalus shunts market during the forecast period. Factors that boost the segment growth are associated with advantages offered by VP shunts over other available shunts. These include lessened chances of revision surgeries along with fewer infections. Moreover, need to lengthen catheter with growth of an individual may be prevented by using a long peritoneal catheter in these shunts. 

On the basis of age group, the market is classified into infants, children, and adults. The children segment is predicted to dominate the hydrocephalus shunt market during the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that hydrocephalus is one of the most common causes for brain injuries in children, which is expected to promote use of hydrocephalus shunts in this age group. Moreover, growth in risk of stroke and hemorrhage, coupled with rise in shunt malfunctions and infections is anticipated to drive growth of the hydrocephalus market for this segment. 

Region wise, the hydrocephalus shunts market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. North America is estimated to hold a significant share in the hydrocephalus shunt market followed by Europe. 

Key Findings Of The Study 

• By type, the ventriculo-pleural shunts segment is projected to grow at the highest rate during the analysis period.
• By age group, the children segment is expected to dominate the global hydrocephalus shunts market throughout the forecast period.
• By region, North America was the largest market in 2019, and is projected to maintain its lead during the forecast period.

The key players in the market have adopted several strategies to increase their market share and expand their geographical reach. The report provides an extensive competitive analysis and profiles of the key hydrocephalus shunts market players such as Christoph Miethke GmbH & Co. KG, G. Surgiwear Ltd., HLL Lifecare Limited, HpBio Próteses, Inc., Integra Life Sciences, Kaneka Medix Corporation, Medtronic plc, Natus Medical Incorporated, Spiegelberg GmbH & CO. KG and Tokibo Co., Ltd.

Presently, North America is expected to have the highest number of populations suffering from hydrocephalus. For instance, as per the data published by the Hydrocephalus Association in 2019, an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. are affected by hydrocephalus. It also predicted that the region has 700,000 normal pressure hydrocephalic patients. In addition, the ease of availability of programmable as well as fixed-pressure shunts for patients is further anticipated to supplement growth of the hydrocephalus shunt market in North America.