ABLATION DEVICES MARKET ANALYSIS

The global ablation devices market was valued at US$ 4.85 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 8.51 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2024 to 2031.

Ablation devices are medical tools used to remove abnormal tissue through ablation techniques without the need for surgery. There are different types of ablation technologies used based on the condition being treated. Radiofrequency ablation devices use high-frequency radio waves to create heat and destroy unhealthy tissue. It is commonly used to treat cancerous tumors in organs like liver, lung, and bone. Radiofrequency ablation allows for minimal invasion and a fast recovery time for patients. Another common technology is microwave ablation, which uses microwaves to silently destroy tissues. It is often considered more effective for treating larger tumors compared to radiofrequency.

The global ablation devices market growth is driven by a number of factors, including the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, advancements in ablation technologies, technological advancements in ablation devices, increasing geriatric populations and others.

Global Ablation Devices Market- Regional Insights

• North America is the largest market for ablation devices, with a share of 42% in 2023, and this can be attributed to the growing preference for laser ablation among physicians for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and cancerous tumors. Laser ablation offers improved precision and control over the extent and location of tissue removal compared to other technologies.
• Europe is the second-largest market for ablation devices, with a share of 29% in 2023. The growth of this market is being driven by the wide acceptance and adoption of radiofrequency ablation therapy for treating cardiac arrhythmias in Europe.
• Asia Pacific is the third-largest market for ablation devices, with a share of 18% in 2023. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing adoption of ultrasound ablation in the Asia Pacific market due to its precision and safety advantages over other ablation technologies for treating certain medical conditions.

Figure 1. Global Ablation Devices Market Share (%), By Region, 2024

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Analyst View

The global ablation devices market has significant growth potential over the next decade. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiac arrhythmias will be a major driver of demand. These diseases require minimally invasive procedures for treatment, where ablation technologies provide an effective option. Technological advancements improving the efficacy and safety of ablation are also expected to support market expansion.

North America will likely continue to dominate the market, supported by favorable reimbursement policies, rising healthcare investments, and the local presence of key industry players. However, Asia Pacific is poised to emerge as the fastest-growing region due to its large patient population and increasing accessibility of specialty care. The rapid economic development across Asia Pacific countries enables greater affordability of premium ablation devices as well.

On the other hand, the high costs of new ablation technologies may restrain market growth to some extent. The requirement of specialized expertise to perform ablation procedures also poses a challenge. Moreover, product recalls and safety concerns surrounding a few ablation platforms in the past have increased regulatory pressure on manufacturers. Market players should focus on developing innovative technologies targeting new clinical applications and disease areas. Partnerships with healthcare providers for training and support will help address skill shortages. Adopting strategies catering to price-sensitive emerging markets can further facilitate penetration in high-growth regions.

Global Ablation Devices Market- Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of cancer: The increasing incidence of cancer cases around the world is a major factor fueling the expansion of the global ablation devices market. Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization. The growing burden of various types of cancer such as liver cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and others, is driving greater demand for effective ablation techniques that can help in cancer treatment.
• Ablation techniques have emerged as viable, minimally invasive alternatives to surgery in recent years for cancer treatment. Ablation devices help destroy cancerous tumors or unnecessary tissues by imparting heat or cold. Various devices in this market, such as radiofrequency ablation devices, microwave ablation devices, cryoablation devices, hydrothermal ablation devices, and others, are being widely adopted. This is due to advantages such as shorter hospital stays, reduced recovery time, and less pain for patients compared to conventional surgery. The rising preference for minimally invasive procedures will aid in the increasing incorporation of ablation techniques in clinical oncology.
• Rising elderly population and associated diseases: Ablation treatment is increasingly being used for age-related chronic diseases and conditions like atrial fibrillation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, which are highly prevalent in older age groups. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to strokes, heart failure, and other complications, affects around 6 million people in the European Region alone, and its incidence rises with age from less than 1% at age 50 to almost 10% at age 80. Similarly, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that around 66% of all cancers are diagnosed in people aged 65 years or older.
• Ablation offers minimally invasive techniques to treat such diseases with fewer side effects than alternative options like open surgeries for the aging population. As people across the world opt for radiofrequency, cryoablation, microwave, and other catheter-based techniques over surgical treatments, the demand and scope for the application of ablation systems for chronic disease management in older age segments are surging rapidly. This steady rise in diseases and conditions afflicting the ballooning senior citizen demographic globally will remain a key driver propelling the multibillion ablation devices industry forward in the forthcoming years.
• Technological advancements in ablation devices: Technological advancements in the field of ablation devices are contributing significantly to the growth of the global ablation devices market. Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes various technologies, including radiofrequency, laser/light, microwave, and others, to destroy diseased tissues. Newer generations of ablation devices are enabling doctors to treat complex conditions with more precision and effectiveness. For instance, novel laser ablation systems allow the ablation of tumors in hard-to-reach areas like the lungs without requiring any incisions. This has reduced risks and recovery times for patients as well as improved outcomes for patients.
• Another key factor driving the global ablation devices market is the development of Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS ) technology by key market players. MRgFUS non-invasively combines MRI visualization with targeted ultrasound beams to destroy diseased tissues, such as uterine fibroids. Compared to traditional surgical options, MRgFUS provides benefits like no scarring, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times. It has gained acceptance for treating conditions such as essential tremors and bone metastases. As per estimates by the U.S. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (2020), over 20,000 patients had been treated globally using MRgFUS by 2020.
• Going forward, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is expected to revolutionize the ablation field. AI powered devices can analyze diagnostic images to map out precise treatment plans and guide ablation catheters autonomously. This reduces human errors and enhances control over ablation procedures. Robotic ablation systems allow doctors to perform minimally invasive ablation of cancerous tumors with enhanced 3D vision, precision, and scale needed for complex cases. As healthcare systems focus on reducing costs, improving outcomes and expanding access to care, demand for advanced ablation devices is likely to keep the overall market on a strong growth path over the next decade.

Global Ablation Devices Market- Opportunities

• Emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America: The emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America regions are well positioned to drive significant growth in the global ablation devices market in the coming years. Countries like India, China, Brazil, and Mexico have very large patient populations combined with improving access to healthcare facilities. As disposable incomes and standards of living rise rapidly in these developing nations, access to advanced medical technologies and procedures will also increase dramatically.
• Ablation devices are increasingly used in minimally invasive treatments for cancer, cardiac arrhythmias, and other conditions. As the burden of non-communicable diseases grows in the developing world due to lifestyle changes and aging populations, demand for ablation technologies from physicians and patients will continue to surge. These emerging markets still have much lower device utilization and procedure rates compared to developed countries currently. This indicates a massive potential for future procedure volume growth as affordability barriers reduce over time.
• Growing applications of ablation devices in a different of medical procedures: Growing applications of ablation devices in a variety of medical procedures have created significant opportunity in the global ablation devices market. Ablation procedures are increasingly being used as minimally invasive alternatives for surgeries across various therapeutic areas like cardiology, gynecology, urology, and many others. According to data published in June 2024, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer incidence and mortality rates have declined annually from 2016 to 2019 in the U.S., partly due to early detection and advanced interventional procedures like ablation that help treat cancer without the need for major invasive surgeries.
• In cardiology, ablation devices are becoming the standard of care for treating arrhythmias and replacing the need for lifelong medication. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, responsible for over 17 million premature deaths annually. Ablation offers effective treatment with high success and lower risks than alternative drug therapies or extensive surgical procedures for heart conditions. Industry projections suggest more than half a million cardiac ablation procedures are performed worldwide each year, and this figure is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
• Oncology is another promising area for ablation devices. The National Cancer Institute estimated that there were over 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. in 2020. Minimally invasive techniques such as ablation help address the increasing cancer burden while offering patients less trauma, quicker recovery times, and potentially lower costs compared to open surgeries. The ability of ablation technologies to treat both benign and cancerous tumors across different parts of the body without the need for general anesthesia makes them an attractive option.
• Untapped growth potential in rural areas: The rural communities across the globe present a massive untapped market potential for ablation devices. With a major chunk of the world's population residing in rural and semi-urban areas, enabling access to advanced medical technologies in these regions can help address significant unmet healthcare needs.
• Ablation, being a minimally invasive treatment option for several cardiovascular, oncological, and urological conditions, has the ability to bring effective solutions closer to patients living in remote locations. At present, a lack of proper infrastructure and skilled medical practitioners restrict the availability of ablation devices and associated procedures only to major urban centers. However, with coordinated efforts of governments, non-profit organizations, and private players, this barrier can be overcome.
• Telehealth and telerobotics offer promising options to virtually connect patients in rural clinics to expert interventional radiologists and electrophysiologists based in cities. Mobile care facilities and training of local healthcare workers will also help in conducting simple ablation treatments near patients' homes. This localized model of decentralized healthcare can become highly beneficial for aging populations in underdeveloped regions. According to the WHO, non-communicable diseases account for over 70% of deaths globally, with a disproportionately higher burden on poorer nations. Addressing this critical need through innovations in rural ablation care can boost quality of life as well as health outcomes.
• As awareness and acceptance grow amongst rural communities, manufacturers stand to gain substantial returns on investments made in building local supply chains and post-sales support systems tailored for remote infrastructure. Recent initiatives by the Australian and Canadian governments to improve telehealth infrastructure and skills in their rural heartlands indicate the potential opportunities if similar focused steps are taken elsewhere. This untapped rural growth segment can fuel the global expansion of the ablation devices industry in the long run.

Global Ablation Devices Market- Trends

• Adoption of robot-assisted ablation devices: The adoption of robot-assisted ablation devices is having a significant impact on the global ablation devices market. Robot-assisted systems allow for improved precision, consistency, and a reduced risk of complications compared to conventional manual ablation procedures. These advantages are driving increasing demand for robotic systems among healthcare facilities and physicians.
• Robot-assisted devices allow electrophysiologists and surgeons to perform minimally invasive cardiac ablation procedures through small incisions or ports with enhanced visualization. This enables precise catheter manipulation and lesion delivery to complex anatomies that would otherwise be difficult to access manually. The robotic systems filter out any physiologic tremor and ensure steadier contact during ablation, helping achieve optimal treatment results. These capabilities are leading to higher success rates for treating atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. These examples indicate lucrative market potential and a promising outlook for robot-assisted ablation devices.
• Rising demand for radiofrequency ablation devices: The rapidly evolving trends towards minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and cancer have significantly contributed to the rising demand for radiofrequency ablation devices globally. With advancements in medical technology, radiofrequency ablation has emerged as one of the most preferred techniques for precisely targeting and destroying tumors or abnormal tissue through the application of heat energy. It allows for precise treatment with minimal procedural risks and associated complications for patients.
• A key factor propelling the adoption of radiofrequency ablation devices is the growing preference for outpatient procedures among healthcare professionals as well as patients. Radiofrequency ablation can often be performed on an outpatient basis as it does not require long hospital recovery time. This has also strengthened its appeal as a cost-effective alternative to traditional open surgeries.

Global Ablation Devices Market- Restraints

• High cost of ablation procedures: The high cost of ablation procedures is a major restraint on the growth of the global ablation devices market. Ablation procedures require the use of technologically advanced medical devices and equipment, which drives up the overall costs. These include ablation catheters, generators, circulation systems and other supporting medical devices. Manufacturing such sophisticated technologies at scale also contributes to the high cost. Additionally, ablation procedures often require highly skilled physicians and support staff to carry them out safely and effectively. This increases the costs related to labor and resource requirements of each procedure.
• The ability to pay heavily influences demand for therapies globally. Where costs remain out of reach, patients simply do not or cannot avail advanced treatments, even if medically required. This suppressed medical demand flow-through, dampening the growth potential of the ablation devices market. While Research and Development into lower-cost solutions and subsidized or deferred payment programs provide some relief, affordability is likely to remain a constraint to the global market's expansion, especially in emerging economies. For the market to fulfill its future potential of serving patients worldwide, further innovations to drive down ablation procedure costs will be crucial.
• Stiff competition among existing market players: The global ablation devices market is facing stiff competition, which is restraining its growth prospects. With several major players already dominating the market landscape, it is becoming increasingly difficult for new entrants to grab significant market share and scale up their operations. The existing players are engaged in cut-throat price wars and competitive marketing strategies to protect their turf. This intense competitiveness among market leaders is limiting opportunities for premium pricing of new products.
• Moreover, the formidable distribution networks and brand recognition of top companies act as barriers against smaller players. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities already have established tie-ups with leading ablation device manufacturers for a continuous supply of products and services. It becomes a daunting task for smaller companies to convince these institutions to try out new and unfamiliar brands. The customer’s reluctance to switch from trusted brands restricts the trial and adoption of newer technologies entering the market.

Figure 2. Global Ablation Devices Market Share (%), By Technology Type, 2024

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Recent Developments

• On December 13. 2023, Medtronic, a medical device company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the PulseSelect Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System for the treatment of both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The PulseSelect PFA system was engineered with differentiated safety features and provides rapid, effective pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) through consistent and predictable energy delivery and catheter maneuverability.

• On May 19, 2023, Abbott, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the company's TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, the world's first ablation catheter with a flexible tip and contact force technology. Used to perform an ablation procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common abnormal heart rhythm, the TactiFlex catheter can result in reduced procedure times and better safety.
• In April 2021, Medtronic received breakthrough device designation status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Emprint ablation catheter kit – an investigational device not yet approved or cleared in the U.S.

Acquisition and partnerships

• On November 17, 2023, Boston Scientific Corporation, a health care company, announced the close of its acquisition of Relievant Medsystems Inc., a company that offers the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System, a therapy to treat vertebrogenic pain that is a form of chronic low back pain. The Intracept system, a basivertebral nerve ablation therapy, will be an addition to the Boston Scientific chronic pain portfolio that includes spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and an interspinous spacer procedure.
• In December 2021, BD, a medical technology company, announced that it had acquired Venclose, Inc., a provider of solutions for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, a disease that is the result of malfunctioning valves and can lead to varicose veins. Venclose is a leader in CVI treatment through its innovative Radio Frequency (RF) ablation technology platform designed for versatility, efficiency, and simplicity.

Top companies in Global Ablation Devices Market

• Medtronic
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• Abbott
• Smith+Nephew.
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• AngioDynamics
• ATRICURE, INC.
• Olympus Corporation
• CONMED Corporation
• Merit Medical Systems

Definition: Ablation devices are designed to ablate (remove or destroy) tissue for therapeutic purposes and often used in the treatment of various types of diseases and medical conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias, cancer tumors, and other dysfunctional tissues. These devices function by delivering energy to the targeted tissues and can employ various techniques based on the type of energy they utilize, such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, laser ablation, microwave ablation, electrical ablation, ultrasound ablation, etc.