Defibrillator Market: Growth, Size, Share, and Trends

The implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) segment is expected to capture the largest market share during the forecast period.

Based on product, the defibrillator market is segmented into Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and External Defibrillators. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs) is further divided into Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators and Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Due to their life-saving features, long-term implantation, and increasing clinical indications, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) account for most of the market share of defibrillators around the globe. The ICDs are surgically implanted, unlike the external defibrillators, which are applied in sudden cardiac events. They monitor heart rhythms constantly, and when natural corrective mechanisms fail, such as for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, shocks or pacing therapy are automatically provided for immediate correction. Such anticipatory action renders ICDs a must for high-risk patients of sudden cardiac arrest, especially those with advanced heart failure or a history of cardiac incidents.

The disease burden created by cardiovascular diseases has considerably increased the need for ICDs, and the aging population, sedentary lifestyles, and high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension have further contributed to this.

Technological innovation has strengthened the position of ICDs in the market. New devices, such as those manufactured by Medtronic, include the Cobalt XT, Abbott's Gallant ICD, and Boston Scientific's RESONATE, which embody features such as wireless remote monitoring, compatibility with MRI, longer battery life, and intelligent arrhythmia detection algorithms. As a result, both patient safety and convenience are improved, and physicians can remotely monitor patients, with the individual requiring fewer hospital visits.

Additionally, ICD implantations are reimbursed by the majority of healthcare systems in North America and Europe, thus making the treatment more accessible. In addition to the healthcare providers and insurers, the long-term costs of saving against sudden cardiac death are attractive. The above clinical, technical, and economic considerations have kept ICDs the revenue-leading product in the defibrillator market and the backbone of advanced cardiac care.

In 2024, the adult segment led the defibrillator market, by patient type.

Based on patient type, the defibrillator market is segmented into adult and pediatrics. The adult segment represents the largest share of the defibrillator market, driven by the rising prevalence of cardiac conditions among the aging population. Adults (from 15 years), especially those above 60 years, hold most instances of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and sudden cardiac arrest incidences. According to the World Health Organization, the world population aged 60 years and above will increase from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030. This will create extensive demand for interventions such as defibrillator implantation to address the growing burden of heart disease.

Globally, cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of death, with an estimated death figure of about 22 million by 2030 (American Heart Association). Common risk factors attributed to most of the adult subjects, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle, compel the further need for advanced cardiac devices, such as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). ICDs are most common among older adults, as more than 40% of such implants are among people over the age of 70, as per the report released by the Heart Rhythm Society in 2023.

Further driving up the adoption rate in the adult population include the heightened awareness towards sudden cardiac arrest and the availability of public access defibrillators, reinforced by favorable reimbursement policies in the developed regions.