Ureteral Stents Market to Surpass USD 793 Million by 2026

The global ureteral stents market was valued at USD 492.6 million in 2017 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7 percent from 2018 – 2026. Ureteral stents are minimally-invasive method of maintaining ureteral drainage to ensure renal function and treat pain caused due to ureteral obstruction. These stents are an integral part of the treatment of different urological conditions such as malignant obstruction, nephrolithiasis, ureteral stricture, ureteral injury, and healing. Increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence with age and rising geriatric population are major factors expected to drive the ureteral stents market growth. According to the Global Forum for Incontinence held in 2014, incontinence is a serious medical condition and set of diseases, which affected 4 percent to 8 percent of the population or the lives of around 400 million people worldwide over a period of 2007-2010.

Furthermore, lifestyle associated disorders such as obesity and diabetes increase the risk of kidney stone formation, which eventually requires ureteral stents usage during severe condition. According to the Journal of Materials Science report 2008, urolithiasis affects around 12 percent of the world population at some stage in their lifetime. Although it affects people of all ages, sexes, and races, it is more frequent in men than in women within the age of 20–49 years. However, retaining of ureteral stents for longer duration can cause encrustation, infection, and patient discomfort. Therefore, the use of ureteral stents require timely follow-up in order to avoid increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Currently, there is no ideal stent available that does not experience failures and complications.

Manufacturers are focusing on various advancements in materials, design, and coating of ureteral stents. These advancements aim to address specific causes of stent’s failure, especially biofilm formation and encrustation. In 2016, BrightWater Medical received FDA approval for its ConvertX nephroureteral stent system designed for treating ureteral obstructions. Combining the most appropriate material, design, and coating would allow the development of an optimal stent. New designs such as a helically-cut ureteral stent are aimed to stretch and conform the ureter. Drug-eluting stents with an antimicrobial property are designed to reduce bacterial adherence to ureteral stents. Furthermore, bioabsorbable stents are designed to reduce infection and prevent the forgotten stent syndrome. In June 2018, HydrUStent, a startup based at the University of Minho in Portugal, announced its research on developing a ureteral stent made from a patented material that is homogeneous, antibacterial, and biodegradable. – Coherent Market Insights