NEURO-NAVIGATION SYSTEMS MARKET ANALYSIS

Neuro-navigation also known to as frameless stereotactic surgery refers to the technique that involves performance of real-time intraoperative guidance during spinal or brain injuries. Neuro-navigation increases safety and accuracy during neurosurgery. Neuro-navigation systems help to guide the surgeon to the surgical targets without the need for external frames. These systems are majorly used in brain surgeries that helps to limit the size of skull opening or craniotomy and remove brain lesions such as tumors or other tissue masses. Neuro-navigation systems are primarily used for tumor resection in frameless stereotactic procedure that relies on fiducial markers on the brain that are taped on the scalp before imaging. These systems are also utilized while performing brain biopsies in case of deep brain tumors, wherein the surgical tumor removal through open brain surgery is difficult and life threatening. The most important function of neuro-navigation system is to develop a precise replica of the patient’s brain tumor, which can be done through a number of imaging technology such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultra sound. Images obtained from this techniques are then uploaded in the systems to form a 3 dimensional data set that produces exact geometrical structure of the region to be operated. The image is then analyzed to extract relevant information from the data and by using specialized software and the dataset is rendered as a virtual 3D model of the patient brain structure assisting tumor location, which helps the surgeon during the surgery and perform tumor removal.

Market Dynamics

Rising adoption of minimally invasive surgical procedures is expected to fuel growth of the neuro-navigation systems market. Moreover, increasing number of neurological surgeries performed worldwide is also expected to drive demand for neuro-navigation market. According to the AANS National Neurosurgical Procedural Statistics, in 2011, neurosurgeons performed 2,296,331 total procedures, 1,448,400 of which were spine surgeries in the U.S. Rise in number of people suffering with brain tumor and cancer leading to brain metastasis is expected to propel demand for neuro-navigation systems. According to American Brain Tumor Association, over 688,000 people in the U.S. lived with primary brain or central nervous system (CNS) tumor. The data also suggests that around 20-40% of other cancer later develops into brain metastasis. Various technical advancements in neuro-navigation system such as addition of features, higher success rate, and newer application of the device depending on its usage in various surgical procedures indicates shift of neurosurgeons on using these systems more frequently for performing neuro-surgical procedures. Moreover, ease of operation, improved quality of treatment, and improved surgical results is also expected to increase demand for neuro-navigation systems. Additionally, advantages such as reduced hospital stay and improved accuracy in neuro-surgeries are expected to be driving factors for growth of the global neuro-navigation systems market size. However, high costs associated with these systems and lack of skilled workforce to operate these systems are expected to restrain growth of the global market.

Key Developments in Neuro-Navigation Systems

• In June 2015, Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne initiated clinical trial study to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of neuronavigated repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) of right angular gyrus in patients with depersonalization disorder. The study is estimated to complete in September 2019.
• In April 2017, Medtronic Plc. launched StealthStation S8 neurosurgical intraoperative imaging and navigation system. The StealthStation S8 includes upgraded software interface, a 2-cart platform design and electromagnetic technology.
• In July 2018, Xoran Technologies, a developer of compact, point-of-care CT scanners, and Fiagon AG Medical Technologies, a developer of electromagnetic surgical navigation systems, have collaborated to strengthen their position in Neuro and Spine markets.
• In May 2018, Nexstim, provider of Navigated TMS, launched its Navigated Brain Therapy transcranial magnetic stimulation system in the U.S. The device is designed to treat major depressive disorder.
• In May 2019, MagStim, a developer of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology, launched StimGuide TMS navigation system. The device is designed to provide precise and consistent coil positioning during treatments in depressive disorder.

Regional Insights

In terms of geography neuro-navigation systems market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. North America is dominant in the neuro-navigation systems market, owing to increasing incidence of brain tumors as well as rising health awareness in the region. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), brain and spinal cord tumors affects both adults and children in the U.S. The ACS suggests that approximately 23,880 malignant tumors for brain and spinal cord are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to witness maximum traction in the neuro-navigation market, owing to market players launching their products in the Asian markets due to presence of huge potential user base. For instance, in October 2017, Pearl Technology introduced a CT HeadFix neuro-navigation system that offers a comfortable, integrated, fast, and hygienic positioning solution in Asia Pacific and European region post its approval from the U.S. FDA.

Competitive Landscape

The market for the neuro-navigation systems is highly competitive with presence of various established players, which includes Medtronic plc, Stryker Corporation, Siemens Healthineers, Zimmer Biomet Holding Inc., Brainlab AG, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Scopis GmBH, Amplitude Surgical, and others. Key players are focusing towards introducing novel systems in the market to sustain their position. For instance, in April 2017, Medtronic Plc introduced StealthStation S8 model, a neuro-navigation system that enhanced workflows, efficiency, and provides comprehensive data integration assisting the neurosurgeons during brain surgery.

Neuro-Navigation Systems Market Taxonomy

The neuro-navigation systems market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, and region

By Product Type

• Optical System
• Electromagnetic System

By Application

• Neurosurgery
• Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Africa