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Kidney Stone Disease Growing Fast in Asia:  External Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Intracorporeal Devices Compete in the Urolithiasis (Urinary Stone) Management Market

Dublin CA, May 9, 2010. Incidence of kidney stones, or urolithiasis, is on the rise worldwide, with highest growth projected in Asia and other geographical regions with hot, dry climates.  Adding to this trend is a global rise in the incidence of diseases linked to an elevated risk of urolithiasis such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes.   Growing disease rates will lead to growing demand for lithotripsy and stone removal devices, with an estimated market value of over $552 million by the end of this year, according to a new market report released by Marketstrat Inc.

Analysts at Marketstrat Inc. predict that ESWL will continue to be a popular method of treatment, although the latest extracorporeal lithotripters are not as efficacious as older generation devices or endoscopic devices.  Patient preference for non-invasive options will be an important growth driver in this market. The report entitled, ‘Urolithiasis (Urinary Stone) Management Devices Markets Worldwide’, also points out the other popular stone treatment in the US - the relatively more invasive Holmium Laser lithotripsy treatment, carried out through an endoscope.  The US market for holmium laser lithotripters is projected to grow at a cumulative average rate of about 4 percent over the next few years. High capital costs preclude the growth of this device segment in developing countries.  Demand for other intracorporeal lithotripters such as ultrasonic, electrohydraulic and pneumatic is also expected to rise, particularly in Asia and Latin America.  Greater efficiency of intracorporeal lithotripsy is partly due to the use of stone removal devices, such as wire baskets, graspers and forceps, also designed for endoscopic surgery.   Another accessory in great demand is the ureteral stent.  Stenting is becoming a routine post-lithotripsy maintenance procedure in many countries.

Manufacturers offering stone removal devices have the unique advantage of targeting their technology towards multiple clinical applications, e.g. shock wave therapy devices can also be designed for treatment of pain, cardiac and orthopedic problems; holmium lasers can also be used for treating BPH, ENT problems, etc., ultrasonic lithotripters and endoscopes are used for treating other types of obstruction, etc.  Also, stone removal baskets and stents are similar to those used in surgery of the GI tract and other organ systems.

Leading providers of kidney stone removal technology include niche players as well as large diversified companies.  While Dornier is a well recognized name in the lithotripsy device market, other leading companies have an established presence in the medical/ surgical arena through their urology and endoscopy product lines.  For instance, Cook Medical, Bard Medical and Boston Scientific are well known for urology devices and accessories designed for endoscopic procedures.  Storz, a leader in ESWL is part of the Karl Storz group, a leader and pioneer of endoscopic devices; Siemens Healthcare, another leader in extracorporeal lithotripsy, is a diversified medical device company that offers a wide range of products and IT solutions for healthcare.  Despite their well-established market presence, these top competitors are facing increasing competition in the emerging medical markets from numerous small medical device manufacturers in Asia offering everything from low-end ESWL systems to ureteral stents.  Resulting price wars are expected to continue into the near future.

For more details on this report please click here.

 
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