The radiofrequency ablation technique is used to destroy cancerous cells, remove or trim obstructive tissues, and deaden nerves by generating high-frequency electromagnetic waves through heat energy (alternating current).
It is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique, which is done by inserting a special needle through the skin and targeting the affected tumor, tissue or nerve with radiofrequency electrical energy to heat the tumor through an active exposed electrode tip. The heat generated induces cellular death as a result of irreversible protein denaturation.
Radiofrequency ablation devices have gained widespread popularity for resolving surgical complexities in a huge range of medical applications, including:
- Surgical Oncology
- Cardiology & Cardiac Rhythm Management
- Gynecology
- Hypertension
- Cosmetology
- Pain Management
It is precisely these wide-ranging applications that are encouraging significant growth in the Global Radiofrequency Ablation Devices Market, which is expected to post a CAGR of 18.24 percent from 2014-2019.
An Image-Guided Surgical Marvel
Technological development in the ablation process has led to high accuracy with advanced needle placement technology, to provide better support to both patients and surgeons during procedures.
The introduction of robot-assisted technology and advanced, minimally invasive techniques to improve surgical procedures with efficacy, safety, and ease of use will contribute significantly to the growth of the market over the forecast period.
Robot-assisted navigation can help guide needles, catheters, and electrode tips to the specific target during a procedure, and many market vendors are channeling research dollars towards developing catheters with robotic navigation abilities.
For example, Sensei X Robotic Catheter System offered by Hansen Medical is used with the Artisan family of Control Catheters. However, the cost of the system and the restrictions on the type of catheters that can be used with it limits the use of the robotic navigation system.
Promising Scenario in Emerging Economies
While the Americas were by far the biggest contributor to the Global Radiofrequency Ablation Devices Market in 2014, emerging countries such as Brazil, China, and India are expected to witness significant adoption of these surgical techniques over the forecast period.
According to lead TechNavio analysts, many European countries such as Spain, France, and Italy are adopting measures to outsource imaging because of a shortage of radiologists. Vendors are also outsourcing parts of their manufacturing to developing countries, such as China and India, because of low cost of production in these countries.
This trend will go a long way towards helping companies concentrate on other competencies such as innovation and brand building over the next four years.
