Global Digital Medical Simulation Market for Cadavers

Global Digital Medical Simulation Market for Cadavers Executive Summary

The global digital medical simulation market for cadavers was valued at around $1.62 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.69 Bn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15% during the forecast period.

Digital medical simulation is the process of creating realistic scenarios so that medical professionals can learn, practice as well as evaluate their skills in a secure environment. It can be used to practice a diverse set of skills, from simple CPR techniques to intricate surgical techniques. This educational opportunity can be offered through simulation using complete body manikins, task trainers, or even virtual reality can be used to mimic realistic medical cases. The need for in vitro training techniques like simulation has grown due to the greater emphasis on patient safety, shorter workweeks, and increased demands for service supply.

Digital cadaveric simulation is a technology that uses computer-aided design and simulation software to create virtual models of the human body. It allows medical professionals and students to practice procedures and surgeries in a realistic virtual environment, offering an alternative to traditional cadaveric dissections.

The digital medical simulation market for cadavers is growing continuously due to the advantages it has to offer such as realistic anatomy and tissue simulation, provision of haptic feedback, and simulation of a wide range of complex procedures. During the forecast period, the surgical training sector is anticipated to hold the greatest share of the cadaveric simulation market. This is majorly contributed to the growing need for surgical training and cadaveric simulation is an excellent tool for the same.

In response to the rising demand from healthcare professionals and institutions, major market players are developing innovative cadaver-based medical simulation products and services. For example, 3B Scientific has acquired Lifecast Body Simulation, a major player in medical simulation, strengthening its global standing in healthcare education. Lifecast's expertise in manikin production as a cadaveric simulation alternative may impact the US cadaveric simulation market. Meanwhile, Nasco Healthcare secured exclusive global rights from MVR Technologies for VR-based medical simulation training, signaling a notable advancement in medical education technology.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Effective Training: ​The complexity of medical procedures and the continuous need for skill enhancement among healthcare professionals drive the demand for medical simulation. Through simulation-based training, healthcare practitioners can refine their skills in a risk-free environment.

• Technological Progress: The evolution of technology, including advanced features in high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality simulators, and computer-based models, has transformed medical simulation. These innovations provide more realistic training experiences, thereby improving the effectiveness of simulation-based education. E.g. Development of virtual reality-based cadaveric simulation platforms

• Growing Emphasis on Patient Safety: Patient safety has become a paramount focus in healthcare organizations globally. Medical simulation offers a secure environment for healthcare professionals to practice intricate procedures, enhance teamwork, and improve critical decision-making skills, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.

• Addressing Clinical Training Shortages: The limited availability of clinical training opportunities, particularly for specialized procedures, creates a substantial demand for medical simulation. This form of training allows healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience and expertise in a controlled setting.

• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Illnesses: Chronic diseases that require complicated surgical procedures like diabetes and cancer are rising globally. This is contributing to the increased demand for digital cadaveric simulation for imparting training to surgeons.

• Recognized Benefits by Medical Professionals: The awareness among medical professionals regarding the advantages of cadaveric simulation for providing training on complicated surgical procedures is rising. This has fuelled the demand for such products globally.

• Availability of Cadavers: There is a scarcity observed in procuring cadavers, and it will increase the demand for digital cadaveric simulation

Market Restraints

• High Cost: The need for heavy investments in the development and maintenance of cadaveric simulation facilities acts as a barrier to the entry of new players in this market. This can also act as a hindrance to its adoption by healthcare organizations

• Psychological Belief: Concerns have been raised by some people globally over using Digital cadaver simulations for training purposes

• Lack of standardization: These programs and products lack standardization which causes a barrier in the development and implementation of quality control standards

• Competition from alternative simulation methods: The medical simulation market holds a lot of alternatives ranging from virtual reality simulation to animal simulation models. The greater affordability, as well as accessibility of these methods, act as a barrier to the growth of the cadaveric simulation market globally.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Anatomage
• 3B scientific
• Thiel Cadaver Lab
• Syndaver
• Body Interact
• CAE Healthcare
• Gaumard Scientific
• Simulab
• Encoris
• MDX Technologies

Notable Recent Updates

August 2023: On August 14, 3B Scientific acquired Lifecast Body Simulation, a top producer and marketer of medical simulation goods and services. This acquisition is anticipated to improve the company's standing in the medical simulation industry and progress the provision of medical and healthcare education on a global scale. Lifecast specializes in the manufacturing of manikins, which are an alternative to the use of digital cadaveric simulation

July 2021: On July 28, Surgical Science Sweden AB which is a leading provider of virtual reality simulators for medical training acquired the medical simulation business of 3D Systems named Simbionix, for $305 million. This deal was executed to focus on its core business of additive manufacturing solutions by divesting the non-core businesses.

October 2020: On 1^st October Mentice AB officially committed to acquiring Vascular Simulations (VSI), a prominent medical technology firm based in New York. VSI is renowned for its cutting-edge replication solutions, enabling physicians to conduct endovascular procedures by manipulating actual medical devices within a tangible 3D structure that mimics the vessel configuration of the human body.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Devices classified as medical devices and medical simulation software are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Certain AR/VR applications may require FDA approval or authorization depending on their intended usage. This covers all applications directly related to patient care or treatment, as well as surgical simulators and diagnostic tools.

Health Canada: Health Canada regulates medical devices in Canada under the Medical Devices Regulations guided by the Food and Drugs Act. The regulations cover aspects like classification, manufacturer obligations, fees, labeling, licenses, incident reporting, and recalls.

European Medicines Agency (EMA): Holds regulatory duties for medical devices in Europe. As per the existing legislative framework for medical devices, the EMA primarily offers scientific opinions to notified bodies through consultation procedures.