Medical Reimbursement/Coverage for Noninvasive Lithotripsy Procedure
Surgery is a traditional treatment option for patients suffering from kidney stones. These surgeries include nephrectomy and endoscopic treatment of the urethra. However, in the past few years, several new approaches have been developed such as noninvasive lithotripsy techniques for the treatment of upper urinary tract kidney stones. Patients are gradually shifting toward noninvasive procedures owing to increased awareness. According to the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, all traditional and noninvasive lithotripsy techniques are medically insured/reimbursed. These noninvasive lithotripsy techniques include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous lithotripsy, and transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Further, a report published by the European Med Tech and IVD Reimbursement Consulting Ltd. in October 2019 revealed that Med-Tech Reimbursement Consulting (MTRC) has released notification for medical reimbursement for lithotripsy procedures, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy and intracorporeal (endoscopic) lithotripsy, in 11 European Union (EU) countries. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. Furthermore, peripheral IVL is a new coronary lithotripsy technology that will be reimbursed in outpatient, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), and inpatient settings. Therefore, medical coverage/reimbursement for noninvasive lithotripsy procedures leads to an increase in patient visits to specialized lithotripsy centers and hospitals, which fuels the lithotripsy market growth.
Lithotripsy Market Trends
Preference for Lithotripsy Technique in Coronary Lesion Treatment
Traditionally, lithotripsy is the most recommended noninvasive procedure for kidney stone removal. However, manufacturers are studying lithotripsy medical devices that can be utilized for several other healthcare applications, including the treatment of coronary lesions. With the rise in the aging population, there is a high risk of patients suffering from coronary lesions. Currently, several challenges are associated with coronary intervention, including dissections/incisions. Also, only a few methods are available to manage calcified coronary lesions, including interventional balloons and rotational atherectomy. Furthermore, incisions and incorporating balloons do not remove calcium deposits as they only improve vessel compliance by creating incisions. Such uncontrolled incisions can lead to a high risk of vessel perforation and increased chances of myocardial infarction among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The new technology of shockwave lithotripsy is set to revolutionize disease treatment through the proper management of severely calcified coronary lesions. In February 2021, the FDA announced approval for a shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system for the treatment of severely calcified coronary artery plaques. For example, Shockwave Medical Inc.’s SHOCKWAVE IVL removes coronary lesions by reducing the risk of complications and making the procedure safe and efficient. Thus, preference for the lithotripsy technique in coronary lesion treatment is anticipated to fuel the lithotripsy market growth in the coming years.
Lithotripsy Market: Geographic Overview
The lithotripsy market, by geography, is segmented into North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South & Central America). In 2023, Asia Pacific held the largest lithotripsy market share. China dominates the lithotripsy market in Asia Pacific. According to the AME Publishing Company report, urolithiasis is one of the most prevalent diseases in China, with patients suffering from upper urinary stones. With high prevalence and recurrence rates, urolithiasis represents a major burden on the healthcare system in the country. Therefore, with the rising prevalence of urolithiasis, there is a high demand for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL is an advanced treatment device that has been widely adopted by doctors and patients in hospitals. Additionally, there are many hospitals in China where more than 5,000 cases have been treated with urolithiasis, annually, as per the Chinese Medical Association Publishing House report. Furthermore, in a few hospitals, over 10 cases were treated in one day, and ~3,000 cases every year. Therefore, the rising prevalence of urolithiasis and the high adoption of lithotripsy in hospitals are a few factors responsible for the lithotripsy market growth in China.
Lithotripsy Market, by Product Type:
Based on product type, the lithotripsy market is divided into extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy devices and intracorporeal lithotripsy devices, and ureteroscopic. The extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy devices segment held a larger lithotripsy market share in 2023 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.
Lithotripsy Market, by Application:
By application, the lithotripsy market is segmented into kidney stones, ureteral stones, pancreatic stones, bile duct stones, and bladder stones. The kidney stones segment held the largest lithotripsy market share in 2023 and the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.
Lithotripsy Market, by End User:
By end user, the lithotripsy market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, and others. The hospitals segment held the largest lithotripsy market share in 2023 and the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.
Lithotripsy Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
The lithotripsy market analysis is carried out by identifying and evaluating key players in the market across different regions. Edap Tms SA, Becton Dickinson and Co, Olympus Corp, Cook Medical Holdings LLC, Boston Scientific Corp, Karl Storz SE & Co KG, DirexGroup, Dornier MedTech, ELMED Medical Systems, EMS+, NOVAmedtek, and Potent Medical are among the prominent players profiled in the lithotripsy market report. These companies focus on introducing new technologies, upgrading existing products, and undertaking geographic expansions to address the increasing consumer demand worldwide.