The rise in the US prevalence of emphysema is prompting device firms to develop endoscopic devices used to diagnose or treat the condition.

June 16, 2009—Waltham, Massachusetts—According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, the rise in the US prevalence of emphysema is prompting device firms to develop endoscopic devices used to diagnose or treat the condition. Currently, only two surgical treatment options for emphysema are available: lung volume reduction or lung transplant, both of which involve substantial risks for the patient. MRG’s US Markets for ENT and Bronchoscopy Devices 2009 finds that the minimally invasive devices in development, anticipated to launch in the US market over the next five years, will offer more options for these patients.

Devices such as Spiration’s IBV Valve System, Broncus Technologies’ Exhale stent, Aeris Therapeutics’ Polymeric Lung Volume Reduction System, and PneumRX’s steerable biopsy needles have undergone at least phase I clinical testing in the US. Some of these technologies are expected to receive FDA approval before 2013, bringing minimally invasive technology to the emphysema patient population.

“The release of these minimally invasive devices will create new market opportunities and will positively affect the existing market for flexible bronchoscopes, which will act as conduits for many of the new devices used,” says Tiffanie Demone, Senior Analyst at MRG. “By 2013, the white light video flexible bronchoscope market will experience growth of more than 13%.”

MRG’s US Markets for ENT and Bronchoscopy Devices 2009 report provides an affordable, off-the-shelf solution to tracking important ENT and bronchoscopy market segments and competitor dynamics. This report allows clients to assess the effect of the economic downturn, plan for the future, tap into deep segmentation, and leverage downturn-adjusted 5-year forecasts, up-to-date market shares, and in-depth qualitative insights.