Innovation to Boost European Markets for Wound-Closure Devices

Technologically innovative products can boost revenue growth in the European wound-closure devices markets.

A growing awareness among patients and surgeons about painless wound closure devices is supporting the use of products such as skin and tissue adhesives, which are safe and easy to use in comparison to conventional sutures and staples, while at the same time relieving the patient of the pain and subsequent removal of sutures. Meanwhile, the rising number of plastic surgeries is promoting the use of synthetic absorbable sutures. These are the latest findings from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international consulting firm.

However, the rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries affects the growth prospects of the overall wound-closure markets. These surgeries not only reduce suture usage but also invariably have a dampening effect on the usage of mechanical wound closure devices and ligating clips, while associated reduced infection rates have substantially limited the need for wound strips.

To overcome these challenges, market participants should broaden the skin adhesives and absorbable suture applications in minimally invasive surgeries, since skin adhesives are currently used only during emergencies and for small cuts and incisions. At the same time, encouraging the use of synthetic absorbable sutures for closure of external wounds will boost unit sales.

"There has been a distinct shift towards painless wound closure with significant change occurring in certain segments such as absorbable sutures, skin adhesives and tissue sealants,” said Kezia Jasper, a research analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "These technological innovations will drive revenue growth and strengthen the future of the wound closure devices markets.”

Frost & Sullivan finds that the European markets for wound closure devices earned revenues of U.S.$217 million in 2005 and estimates this will reach $543 million in 2012.




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