Anesthesia market projected to rebound

The U.S. market for anesthesia, respiratory and sleep management devices will reach $4.1 billion by 2015, according to a new report series by iData Research.

"U.S. Market for Anesthesia, Respiratory and Sleep Management Devices" provides a comprehensive analysis of anesthesia delivery units and monitors, level of consciousness monitors, AIMS (anesthesia information management systems), anesthesia disposables, ventilators, nebulizers, laryngoscopes, respiratory disposables, oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, and diagnostic devices.

The market for sleep apnea devices, a large, rapidly growing market, will represent nearly 50% of this value, while anesthesia-management systems are estimated to be the fastest growing, iData said. Some of the major players in these markets include Philips Respironics, ResMed, GE, Covidien, and Draeger.

Over 40 million units of general, local, and regional anesthesia are delivered to patients in the U.S. each year. In addition to anesthesia delivery devices, iData's report also covers anesthesia and level of consciousness monitors and AIMS.

iData's report states that of the 18 million adults in the U.S. with sleep apnea, over 85% are undiagnosed. This is expected to change as insurance reimbursement improves and general awareness of the condition increases.

"The markets for anesthesia and respiratory capital equipment declined significantly in 2008 and 2009, due to hospital and surgery center budget constraints resulting from the economic recession," said Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData. "Other markets such as sleep management devices have also been hit hard; however, these markets are estimated to recover over the forecast period."

The report states that anesthesia delivery unit growth will be driven by usage in hospital suites outside of the O.R., including obstetrics and MRI.