Minimally invasive varicose vein treatment market is largely underpenetrated, according to Millennium Research Group

April 27, 2009—Waltham, Massachusetts—According to Millennium Research Group’s (MRG’s) Opportunities in Brazil: Varicose Vein Treatment Device Market 2009 report, Brazil is extremely underpenetrated with respect to minimally invasive varicose vein treatment devices. The varicose vein treatment device market in the country, widely considered to be one of the most aesthetically-conscious in the world, is limited primarily by the Brazilian universal public health system, which provides reimbursement for surgical vein removal (stripping) procedures but not for more advanced, minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy. As a result, patients must pay for these treatments out-of-pocket. Nevertheless, procedure volumes for these minimally invasive alternatives will increase by approximately 10% annually from 2009 to 2013 due to growing patient demand for the superior cosmetic results and reduced postoperative pain associated with these therapies.

Surgical stripping currently remains the gold standard for varicose vein treatment in Brazil because the procedure is extremely cost-effective for the patient and physicians do not need to purchase capital equipment in order to perform the procedures. Surgical stripping is, however, a highly traumatic procedure for the patient, and recovery time is much longer than with newer, minimally invasive treatments. Because the government does not cover the costs for the minimally invasive alternatives, which can cost the patient approximately $1500 per procedure, patients must pay completely out-of-pocket. In contrast, the cost to the patient for a surgical stripping and ligation procedure in the public system, coupled with a 2-night stay in the hospital, is approximately $300, making surgical stripping one of the most affordable treatment options for varicose veins in all of Latin America.

“It is virtually impossible for newer, more expensive treatments to compete within the public health system,” says Darren Navarro, Senior Analyst at MRG. “Instead, use of these newer technologies remains confined to the private health system, which serves a more affluent demographic in Brazil. Foreign device manufacturers planning to enter the Brazilian market will need to fully understand Brazil’s driving and limiting factors in order to optimize market entry and capitalize on this underpenetrated market.”

MRG’s Opportunities in Brazil: Varicose Vein Treatment Device Market 2009 report provides coverage of key competitors, including AngioDynamics, biolitec, Codman, Dornier Medtech, Helmeyster, LeMaitre Vascular, MedArt, Vascular Solutions, VNUS Medical Technologies, and more.