According to a new report by iData Research (www.idataresearch.net), the leading global authority in medical device market research, the European infusion therapy device market, which includes needleless connectors, infusion pumps and intravenous (IV) sets, was valued at an estimated €443 million in 2010. This market is expected to reach almost €533 million by 2017 driven by the rising use of disposable ambulatory infusion pumps, particularly in the home/alternate care settings. In addition, the introduction of low-cost Chinese and South Korean distributors in Italy and Spain has boosted sales volumes in those countries, despite the economic turmoil.
"In 2010, disposable ambulatory and syringe infusion pumps were the fastest-growing segments in the European infusion pump market," says Dr. Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData. "The rise of home/alternate care clinical settings is driving the disposable market due to substantial pressure on the European health care system to cut costs and discharge patients sooner. By 2017, over 68% of disposable ambulatory infusion pumps sold in Europe will be in the home/alternate care setting."
The report states that Baxter, B. Braun and Fresenius were leading the disposable infusion pump market in 2010, particularly in Germany, France and the U.K, which had the largest markets. In the same countries Becton Dickinson, ICU Medical and Vygon led the needleless connector market, which is expected to see modest growth.
"There is no clinical definition in Europe of what is considered positive, negative or neutral displacement within the needleless connector market," says Dr. Zamanian. "This is causing confusion among consumers, who are staying with familiar technology, thus limiting market growth. However, further legislation and protocols surrounding the reduction of needle-stick injuries is expected to help counter-act these effects."
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