Deep Brain Stimulation Devices

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device, often described as brain pacemaker, aids in alleviating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The device is implanted at one of the three FDA approved brain sites to block the electrical signals from these sites to the brain. The three FDA approved targeted brain sites are ventrointermedialis (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus (STN), and globus pallidus pars interna (GPi). DBS surgery is performed on patient’s suffering from Parkinson’s disease for at least four years, and are on medications albeit with motor complications. Though there are other surgical options such as thalamotomy and pallidotomy, deep brain stimulation is the most preferred option, as it does not involve tissue destruction and is a reversible surgical treatment.

The global deep brain stimulation devices market was valued at US$ 664.4 million in 2015 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period (2016 – 2024).

Increasing incidence of Parkinson’s disease

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, there are over 10 million people suffering from Parkinson’s disease worldwide as of 2016. As per findings published by the organization, incidence rate increases with age, and only 4% of people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50 years. In U.S. alone, incidence is as high as 60,000 each year as noted by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. According to Parkinson’s Australia Inc., there were approximately 11,544 new cases of PD diagnosed in Australia in 2014, while as per stats released by Parkinson Canada, the number of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease in the country is projected to increase to over 163,700 by 2031 (double than the prevalence in 2011). Increasing incidence of PD across the globe is projected to drive demand for DBS devices.

Development in technology to increase therapeutic outcome and enhance application of DBS in other disease treatment

According to a study published in the Neuron journal in December 2016, deep brain stimulation, targeting entorhinal cortex and hippocampus regions in the brain, demonstrated negative impact on improving memory. Researchers, however, are optimistic about obtaining successful results through further research in enhancing memory, especially in Alzheimer patients.

Activa PC+S system by Medtronic. Inc, is a closed-loop DBS device being utilized for research purpose among few physicians in Europe. This system records the electrical activity in brain and develops an algorithm of the closed-loop system. The device is being tested in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Once commercialized, the closed-loop DBS system would make treatment for Parkinson’s disease more effective and customized according to unique patient needs.

Increasing demand for minimally-invasive treatment options in emerging economies

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease involves long-term administration of medications, making it unaffordable to major section of the population in emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Advent of minimally-invasive technology has led to increase in demand for such procedures and devices for treatment of chronic disease conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, blood clot, and Alzheimer’s disease. DBS being an effective minimally-invasive therapy for Parkinson’s patients, is projected to gain significant growth traction in emerging economies such as India, China, Brazil, Israel, and North African countries.