Germany Neurology Devices Market Analysis

Germany Neurology Devices Market Executive Summary

Neurological devices in Germany are used for a variety of purposes including Diagnosis of neurological disorders, Treatment of neurological conditions, Rehabilitation after brain injury or stroke, and Monitoring of brain function. EEG, MRI, and CT scans are used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, and others. Devices such as deep brain stimulators and spinal cord stimulators are used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and depression. Devices such as brain-computer interfaces and robotic exoskeletons are used to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients with brain injury or stroke. Intracranial pressure monitors and cerebral oximeters are used to monitor brain function in critical care settings. Interventional neurology involves the use of minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. These devices are commonly used in German hospitals and clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological conditions, including stroke, aneurysms, and vascular malformation. Catheters are used to access blood vessels in the brain or neck for procedures such as endovascular treatment of stroke or aneurysm coiling. Microcatheters are used for more precise navigation in the brain or blood vessels. Stents are used to keep blood vessels open and prevent blockages in the treatment of stenosis or other conditions. Embolization coils small metal coils used to occlude (block) an aneurysm in the blood vessel, reducing the risk of rupture. Neurovascular stents support blood vessels in the brain and prevent reocclusion.

For Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, several devices are used in Germany, like Deep Brain Stimulators (DBS), which consist of electrodes placed in specific areas of the brain and a battery-operated generator implanted under the skin. They provide electrical stimulation to regulate brain activity and improve symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease. They are used to treat epilepsy and depression. Spinal Cord Stimulators are used to manage chronic pain. They consist of electrodes placed near the spinal cord and a battery-operated generator implanted under the skin. Neurostimulation devices are implantable in nature that can provide stimulation to specific nerves or regions of the brain to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, and other conditions. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain. EEG systems are used to diagnose epilepsy and monitor seizure activity. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans imaging tests are used to diagnose neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and brain tumors. These devices are widely available in German hospitals and clinics and are used to manage Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. They can help improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with these conditions.

The Brain Interchange System (BIC) is made up of all of the components required to electrically connect the neural system to external information technology. To modulate the nervous system, information exchange is realized. The fully implanted system is conceived as an exploratory device for recording and stimulating on 32 channels. It is designed for long-term monitoring and electrical stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The Brain Interchange accepts electric signals from nervous system electrodes. The system then amplifies, digitizes, and transmits these signals via the External Unit to a computing unit. The computer's Application Software administers telemetry (programming of indicator-related settings, accessing system information, and data transmission) and analyses signals.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy, is driving the demand for neurological devices in Germany. There are several other factors driving the growth of neurological devices in Germany;

1. Growing Awareness: Increased awareness about the availability and benefits of neurological devices is contributing to the growth of the market
2. Government Support: The German government has been supportive of the development and adoption of new technologies in the healthcare sector, including neurological devices
3. Favorable Reimbursement Policies: The favorable reimbursement policies in Germany, which provide coverage for a wide range of neurological devices, are also contributing to the growth of the market
4. Strong Healthcare Infrastructure: Germany has a strong healthcare infrastructure, including a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, which provides access to advanced medical treatments, including neurological devices
5. Presence of Major Market Players: Germany is home to several major market players in the neurological devices industry, including Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude Medical, which are driving growth in the market

Market Restraints

The high cost of neurological devices can be a barrier for patients who do not have private health insurance or who have limited coverage. In some regions of Germany, there is still a lack of awareness about the availability and benefits of neurological devices, which can limit their adoption. The regulatory approval process for new neurological devices can be lengthy and complex, which can limit the introduction of new products to the market. Competition from alternative treatments, such as pharmaceuticals and rehabilitation therapies, can limit the adoption of neurological devices in some cases. Despite favorable reimbursement policies, some neurological devices may not be fully covered by the statutory health insurance system in Germany, which can limit their adoption. The development and deployment of new neurological devices can be technically challenging, and some devices may not be suitable for all patients. There may be ethical concerns regarding the use of certain neurological devices, such as deep brain stimulators, which can limit their adoption in some cases. These limiting factors can impact the growth of the neurological devices market in Germany and may pose challenges for the industry in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Phenox (GER)
• Braun Melsungen (GER)
• Aesculap (GER)
• Paul Hartmann (GER)
• Dr. Langer Medical (GER)
• Gerresheimer (GER)
• Draegerwerk (GER)
• Medtronic
• Siemens Healthineers
• Boston Scientific
• Stryker
• Johnson & Johnson

Notable Recent Deals

September 2022: Dr. Langer Medical GmbH demonstrates the strategic fit for deep and intelligent integration. Dr. Langer Medical GmbH has been acquired by Brainlab, a digital medical technology firm. The family-owned company, based in Waldkrich, Germany, focuses on the development of intraoperative neuromonitoring solutions and accompanying equipment for surgical procedures. Brainlab and Dr. Langer Medical's overarching and united purpose is to develop synergies for the "digital surgical" ecosystem while also aligning entrepreneurial activities and innovation possibilities. Dr. Langer Medical GmbH will remain a separate firm within the Brainlab Group.

April 2022: Wallaby acquires Phenox, a German neurovascular leader, to accelerate its global expansion. Wallaby Medical, a global innovative medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing neurovascular interventional products for stroke treatment, announced today that it has acquired phenox GmbH, including phenox's femtos GmbH, a German-based global innovation and technology leader in the neurovascular space, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is one of the largest cross-border transactions in the medical device industry in recent years, driven by strong growth opportunities in both product portfolio and geographic coverage, allowing the combined company to become a global leader in providing a wide range of neurovascular technologies and solutions to customers and patients worldwide, including the United States, China, Europe, and Japan.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory body for medical devices, including neurology devices, in Germany, is the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The BfArM is responsible for the evaluation, authorization, and monitoring of medical devices in Germany, including those used in neurology. The BfArM ensures that medical devices meet the necessary safety and performance standards and are in compliance with European Union (EU) regulations, such as the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and the In-Vitro Diagnostic Devices Regulation (IVDR). The BfArM also works with other regulatory bodies, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), to ensure that medical devices are regulated in a consistent and harmonized manner throughout the EU. The safety and efficacy of medical devices are ensured by the BfArM and help to protect public health and promote innovation in the medical device industry in Germany.

Reimbursement Scenario

Reimbursement of neuro devices in Germany is managed by the statutory health insurance companies (SHI). The SHI covers a large portion of the costs of medical devices, including neuro devices, for individuals who are enrolled in the statutory health insurance system. Reimbursement for neuro devices in Germany is based on the type of device and the medical condition it is used to treat. Some neuro devices, such as deep brain stimulators for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, are fully reimbursed by the SHI. Others, such as spinal cord stimulators for the treatment of chronic pain, may be partially reimbursed. To be reimbursed for a neuro device in Germany, it must be prescribed by a doctor and approved by the SHI. The doctor must provide documentation demonstrating the medical necessity of the device, and the SHI will evaluate the documentation to determine if the device is eligible for reimbursement. In addition to SHI reimbursement, private health insurance may also provide coverage for neuro devices. The amount of coverage provided by private insurance can vary, and individuals should check their insurance policies for specific details.