Market Challenges And Opportunities
Global Laryngeal Mask Market Drivers:
- Increasing number of surgeries: The number of surgeries worldwide has been steadily increasing over the last decade. More and more people are now opting for various elective as well as non-elective surgical procedures due to advancements in medical technology and better access to healthcare. The laryngeal mask airway finds widespread application during surgical procedures undertaken under general anesthesia as it helps establish a safe airway. According to the data published by the World Health Organization in 2021, around 313 million surgical procedures were performed globally in 2020, out of which around 43% were categorised as essential surgeries.
- Technological advancements in laryngeal masks: Technological advancements in laryngeal masks are significantly impacting the global laryngeal mask market. Laryngeal masks are now being designed and developed using innovative materials and techniques that improve airway management and patient safety. Manufacturers are also equipping laryngeal masks with in-built channels to allow ventilation through one lumen while simultaneously performing suctioning or passing of tubes through separate dedicated channels. Such dual-function masks enable anesthesia providers to maintain uninterrupted ventilation while carrying out other procedures like gastroscopy. Advanced cuff design and materials on new age masks ensure protection against leaks is effective even when intra-cuff pressures are relatively low, causing less chances of postoperative airway complications. Masks embedded with channels for fiber optic technology further enhance the visibility of the glottis and enable guidance for placements.
- Growing demand for fast-tracked recovery: Many clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of using laryngeal masks over endotracheal tubes from a recovery standpoint. For example, a large randomized controlled trial conducted across 30 hospitals in the U.K. found that patients who received laryngeal masks for abdominal surgeries were extubated within an average of 7 minutes after the procedure, compared to 12 minutes for endotracheal tubes. They also experienced 17% less post-operative sore throats. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 28 peer-reviewed articles published in 2020 showed laryngeal masks significantly reduced emergence times, time to extubation and postoperative coughing, laryngospasm, and sore throat compared to endotracheal tubes.
- Rising number of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs): The rising number of ambulatory surgical centers around the world is a major factor fueling the growth of the global laryngeal mask market. Ambulatory surgical centers, or ASCs, are modern medical facilities that perform scheduled surgical procedures that do not require overnight hospital stays. The number of ASCs worldwide has seen a considerable increase over the last decade, as they are more convenient and cost-effective alternatives to hospital-based outpatient procedures. ASCs offer significant advantages like reduced wait times, an individualized care experience, and the avoidance of hospital-acquired infections. According to data from the National Health Expenditure Accounts, the number of ASCs in the U.S. grew by almost 30% from 2016 to 2021. This growth is projected to continue at an even stronger pace due to ASCs being preferred centers for less complex surgeries and treatments such as gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, orthopedic, and cardiovascular procedures. A majority of these procedures routinely use laryngeal masks as the standard airway management device.
Global Laryngeal Mask Market Opportunities:
- Emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America: The laryngeal mask market has seen significant growth in recent years, mostly spurred by opportunities in developing economies. Countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America continue to report high economic expansion, with growing per capita incomes and healthcare investments. This has translated to a rise in demand for advanced airway management solutions like laryngeal masks. Both regions have large patient pools and are undergoing rapid urbanization as well as enhancement of medical infrastructure. With increasing rates of lifestyle diseases and accidents, the need for critical care surgeries requiring airway access devices is surging.
- Increasing demand for reusable laryngeal masks: The demand for reusable laryngeal masks is increasing globally due to greater awareness about issues like sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the medical industry. Reusable laryngeal masks, also known as supraglottic airway devices, provide a less invasive alternative to tracheal intubation for maintaining a patient's airway and pulmonary ventilation during surgical procedures. These reusable masks are made of durable materials that allow them to withstand multiple sterilization and reuse cycles, often up to 50 times, without any loss of quality or effectiveness. This makes them a much more sustainable and affordable option compared to traditional, single-use laryngeal masks. As more hospitals and healthcare facilities focus on reducing biomedical waste and minimizing expenses without compromising patient safety, reusable supraglottic masks are emerging as a preferred choice.
- Growing adoption of single-use laryngeal masks: The growing adoption of single-use laryngeal masks can present a major opportunity for the global laryngeal mask market in the coming years. There has been a noticeable shift in preference towards single-use laryngeal masks over conventional reusable masks among healthcare providers globally. This transition is being driven by various factors. Single-use laryngeal masks help limit the risk of cross-contamination and reduce turnaround times significantly as they do not require high-level disinfection or sterilization between uses. This makes them highly effective in helping push through high volumes of surgical procedures efficiently. It also minimizes the chances of healthcare-associated infections, which remain a major issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, nearly 1 in 10 patients acquired such infections, requiring treatment for severe cases. Opting for single-patient-use laryngeal masks can play a pivotal role in curbing the burden of such infections.
Global Laryngeal Mask Market Restraints:
- Availability of alternatives like endotracheal tubes: The availability of alternatives like endotracheal tubes is posing a significant challenge for the growth of the global laryngeal mask market. Endotracheal tubes offer certain advantages over laryngeal masks that are attracting many healthcare professionals and facilities. Endotracheal tubes allow for both intubation and ventilation of the lungs, giving doctors more flexibility and control during surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. They can be easily secured in the trachea to provide a definitive airway. This is valuable for operations that may run significantly longer than standard cases or that involve patient positioning challenges. Additionally, endotracheal tubes do not require specialized training to use as laryngeal masks do, making them a more viable option for certain clinical settings that may not have access to anesthesia providers with higher skill levels.
- High costs associated with laryngeal masks: Most patients, especially in developing regions, find it difficult to afford the steep costs of laryngeal masks. As per data from the World Bank in 2021, more than 1.32 billion people globally lack access to even basic affordable healthcare. The high out-of-pocket treatment expenditures act as a deterrent for many patients in opting for procedures where laryngeal masks are required. This in turn impacts the sales volumes for laryngeal mask manufacturers. Even hospitals in underdeveloped and emerging economies hesitate to stock up on laryngeal masks due to the high capital requirements. As per reports by the World Health Organization in 2022, about 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty each year due to high healthcare costs. This shows patients' inability to pay is restricting the accessibility of laryngeal masks and affecting market growth.
- Risks and complications associated with usage: One of the major risks that could limit the expansion of the laryngeal mask market is the potential complications associated with its usage. Laryngeal masks are inserted blindly without the guidance of vision, which increases the risk of improper placement. Improper positioning can cause damage to sensitive tissues like the vocal cords and result in complications like airway trauma, laryngospasm, and laryngeal edema. This risk of damage during insertion makes laryngeal masks more suited for short surgical procedures with minimal risk of complications. For longer and more complex surgeries requiring patient immobility, endotracheal tubes are still preferred due to their lower risk of displacement. The blind insertion technique also requires adequate training for consistent optimal placement; otherwise, complications from misuse can discourage widespread adoption.
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