Market Trends of Arteriovenous Fistula Devices Industry
The Vascular Grafts Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share During the Forecast Period
Vascular grafts play a crucial role in the creation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), particularly when direct access to suitable native veins is not feasible. Vascular grafts are designed to enhance blood flow and maintain patency, which is essential for the long-term success of dialysis access. Improved graft materials and designs help reduce the risk of thrombosis and other complications. The growth of the vascular graft segment in the AVF market is driven by the increasing burden of kidney disease, the preference for AVFs, advancements in graft technology, rising awareness, and supportive healthcare policies.
The increasing research and development of vascular grafts that facilitate the AVF is expected to increase demand for these grafts, which is expected to drive the market's growth. For instance, in October 2022, Porto Vascular Congress (PVC), organized by the European Society of Vascular Surgery (ESVS), Xeltis unveiled promising preliminary efficacy and safety results from one of the centers involved in the AXESS first-in-human (FIH) clinical trial. This trial focuses on restorative hemodialysis vascular access graft, the aXess. Thus, such launches of vascular grafts are expected to increase its adoption, in turn driving the segment's growth.
The increasing key initiatives in research on vascular grafts that help in AVF procedures are anticipated to boost the segment's growth. For instance, American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2023 discussed a range of topics related to arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), presented on various grafts, and introduced devices designed to alleviate vein obstructions catering specifically to the needs of dialysis patients. The STARgraft AV Graft features a synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) core, which is coated externally with soft, porous silicone granules. This innovative design employs a unique pore geometry that promotes capillary ingrowth while preventing fibrotic encapsulation. Additionally, the graft resists infections and adapts to the pulsating nature of blood while maintaining wall compliance. These benefits were validated through clinical tests, comparing 73 STAR grafts to 27 control grafts. Thus, the availability of such products in the market is expected to increase its demand, contributing to the segment's growth.
Moreover, strategic activities by the market players, such as product launches and collaboration, are anticipated to propel the segment's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in March 2024, Peca Labs obtained another CE Mark for its exGraft line of vascular grafts in European countries. Developed through Peca Labs' proprietary polymer processing platform, the synthetic exGraft vascular graft allows for permanent expansion. Consequently, these launches and regulatory approvals are anticipated to boost demand, fueling the market's growth.
Thus, the aforementioned factors, such as growing research and development activities and launches, are anticipated to boost the segment's growth during the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period
The North American AVF market is growing owing to factors such as the burden of ESRD, the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and growing awareness and education among healthcare providers and patients regarding early detection and management of kidney disease. Additionally, government initiatives and support programs aimed at improving kidney care and increasing funding for treatment options further bolster the market's growth.
Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of ESRD. As the prevalence of these chronic conditions rises, more patients require renal replacement therapies, including hemodialysis. This increases the demand for reliable vascular access solutions like AVFs, contributing to the market's growth. For instance, as per Diabetes Canada 2024, in Canada, nearly 5.9 million individuals, or roughly 15% of the population, are affected by diabetes, encompassing both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases. Of these, about 4.1 million have been formally diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Projections indicate that by 2033, the diabetic population in Canada could increase to around 7.4 million, making up about 17% of the total populace. Over the next ten years, diagnosed cases of diabetes are anticipated to surge by approximately 26%. Thus, the high burden of diabetes creates a cascading effect on the AVF market, as the resulting increase in ESKD cases drives the demand for effective and reliable dialysis access solutions.
Moreover, increasing awareness about key diseases and their diagnosis is anticipated to bolster the demand for their treatment and is likely to spur the market for AVF during the forecast period. For instance, National Kidney Month is observed in March, with various organizations, notably the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), spearheading initiatives to raise awareness about kidney health. These campaigns highlight the critical role of early detection, advocating for straightforward blood and urine tests to catch chronic kidney disease (CKD) before it advances to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Additionally, in June 2024, the AAKP unveiled its "Every Patient Safe" campaign, spotlighting the distinct challenges kidney patients encounter. This campaign seeks to inform the susceptibilities of kidney patients, underscoring the urgency of early detection and proactive steps to combat kidney disease.
Furthermore, strategic moves by market players, including product launches and collaborations, are expected to drive the segment's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in July 2024, VentureMed Group Inc. focuses on access management for arteriovenous (AV) fistulas (AVFs) and grafts (AVGs) and prepares vessels for treating peripheral arterial disease. The company has completed enrollment for the FLEX First AV registry. This registry aims to show that using the VentureMed Flex vessel prep (VP) system, in conjunction with balloon angioplasty, enhances the primary patency rate of target lesions in patients with AVF/AVG stenosis. This is being compared to published rates for balloon angioplasty used in isolation.
Thus, increasing the burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, increasing awareness initiatives for diagnosis and treatment, and product launches by the market players are expected to boost the market's growth during the forecast period.
