Skin Grafting Device Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecast (2022 - 2027)

The skin grafting device market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.

Recent studies published by the Asia Pacific Blood Network 2020 and Transfusion Medicine Reviews Journal 2020 stated a relatively higher risk for transmission of viruses such as COVID-19 via blood. According to a research article by Timothy Michael Noblet et al., published in Burns Journal 2021, globally, in the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario, there is a significant risk of droplet contamination to the operators and the immediate environment of the patient in harvesting skin grafts with a pneumatic dermatome.

The study results also suggested that it is reasonable to use full high-risk personal protective equipment (PPE) when harvesting skin grafts, and the number of people within 1 meter of the harvest site is kept to the absolute minimum, ideally a single surgeon where possible.

Skin grafting is a novel technological advancement in surgical procedures, covering skin replacement from the healthy skin area and providing coverage for wound area. Skin grafting is majorly used in different wound indications, such as deep burns, skin cancer, injury, or reconstructive surgeries. The increasing prevalence and incidence of burn injuries, leg ulcers, pressure and diabetic foot ulcers, and skin infections that lead to prolonged hospitalization, influence the demand in the skin grafting device market.

Moreover, technological innovations in dermatomes, such as electric and air dermatomes, and the increased precision are some of the key factors expected to boost the market for skin grafting systems. The growing demand for skin grafts is another major factor propelling the market growth.

For instance, in May 2017, Exsurco Medical Inc. launched new wound debridement and skin grafting medical device designed for use in burn and trauma centers. The new Amalgatome SD is a revolutionary breakthrough in combining skin grafting and wound debridement technology in the industry. Using one device for multiple procedures (autografting and/or excision), the Amalgatome SD helps those in critical need of the healing power of skin.

Care and treatment procedures have taken a more comprehensive approach that focuses on recovery from injuries and the improvement in long-term function. Thus, the demand for skin grafts and other skin substitutes in treating and managing acute wounds is increasing steadily. Skin grafting procedures are majorly used on partial and full thickness burns, and they have an important role in the treatment of such injuries. Skin grafting can be biological or synthetic.

The presence of non-profit organizations, such as the British Burn Association and the Canadian Association of Burn Nurses, which aim to provide and propagate knowledge on best treatment and rehabilitation following a burn injury, is increasing the awareness among people. However, the market growth may be hindered by factors such as poor healthcare accessibility in low-income countries and the lack of advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Key Market Trends

The Burns Segment is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share During the Forecast Period

The major factors driving the burns segment growth include the rising incidence of such injuries, high demand for skin grafts, growing awareness regarding treatment options, and increasing technological advancements. Increasing awareness among patients regarding various treatment and care options available is a key factor driving the market.

Globally, during the SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, most healthcare systems focused their approaches on disease prevention. The main strategies adopted to prevent the disease spread through personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, testing and quarantine of infected cases, and rationalizing healthcare services to prioritize intensive care resources.

During the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, globally, there was a significant impact in providing burns services by healthcare providers. For instance, according to a research study by Azzam Farroha, published in Burns Journal 2020, in the United Kingdom, the number of burn cases reported to the emergency department decreased by 33% during the lockdown period (March-May), and the number of cases referred from other healthcare facilities to centers decreased by 42%.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2018 Factsheet, worldwide, every year, an estimated 180,000 deaths are caused by burns. The majority of the burn injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries, and almost two-thirds occur in Africa and Southeast Asia. Non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity. Burns occur mainly in the home and workplace.

The different treatment and care options for such injuries include advanced dressings, traditional care products, and biologics. Biologics, including skin grafts, are also widely used. The presence of a wide array of products for burn care in the market is encouraging healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, physicians, and nurses, to increase the usage of such treatment options.

Favorable government initiatives, such as reimbursement policies covering almost 70%-100% of the treatment cost, enabled patients to opt for advanced burn care treatment. The presence of non-profit organizations, like the American Burn Association (ABA), and government organizations, such as World Health Organization (WHO), also increases awareness.

For instance, as per the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department 2020 report, in India, the Government of Telangana is providing cashless and qualitative treatment for burns and debridement and skin grafting for avulsion injuries to the State Government Employees under the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department. Thus, considering the above-mentioned factors, the market is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period.

North America is Considered the Most Lucrative Regional Market for Skin Grafting Devices

The major factors driving the market growth in North America include the high demand for skin grafts and substitutes and the increasing incidence of burns. Moreover, the presence of key market players in this region focusing on strategic initiatives, such as the launch of new products and mergers and acquisitions, is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities.

According to a research article by Juan P. Barret et al., published in Burns Journal, in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, the University of Iowa initiated providing burn services, such as electronic communication platforms for communication and telemedicine services, to communicate with both clinic and hospitals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the burn centers in the United States maintained intense and meticulous precautions with great discipline. Burn patients that were COVID-positive were successfully managed as part of the COVID-positive cohort.

According to the American Burn Association (ABA) National Burn Repository 2019 reports, flame burns are still the majority of injuries in the United States, with 41%, followed by scald injuries at 31% and electrical burn injuries at 3.6%. Burns in children less than five years of age tend to be scald injuries, and flame-related burns tend to increase with age.

The Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. According to the World Health Organization 2018 Factsheet, the incidence of burn injuries requiring immediate medical care is approximately 20 times higher in the Western Pacific Region than in the Americas.

Furthermore, an increase in the incidence of burn injuries and chronic wounds is a major factor boosting the market in this region. The increasing R&D activities by prominent market players to introduce innovative products are expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The market for skin grafting devices is moderately competitive. The market players are actively involved in product innovations and technological advancements to sustain their position in the market. Some key market players include Zimmer Biomet, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Integra Lifesciences Corporation, Exsurco Medical Inc., and Rudolf Storz GmbH.

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