Estimated to be approximately 15% of the embolization devices market, the flow diversion stent market is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 2% by 2028, says GlobalData.

In February, “Medtronic’s Pipeline Flex flow diversion device” won expanded FDA approval to treat small or medium wide-neck aneurysms, in addition to its existing approval for large or giant wide-neck aneurysms.Sheryl Tang, Senior Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Flow diversion stents attempt to minimize the risks associated with treating wide-neck aneurysms.

However, the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms is associated with the risk of coil migration and aneurysm re-opening due to coil comaction. As such, support devices are often used to reduce these risks.Flow diversion stents can also be used in combination with coils, acting as both a support device to avoid coil migration and a flow diverter. Endovascular treatment for aneurysms is a much more profound treatment, compared to the likes of a surgical approach.

Tang continues, “Since the Pipeline Flex has received expanded FDA approval to treat various sizes of wide-neck aneurysms, this will allow for more patients to be treated. The inclusion of more indications will drive the growth of flow diversion stents in the near future. However, while this device has the potential to address some of the unmet needs of treating wide-neck aneurysms, it is still relatively new and will require much more evidence from randomized clinical trials demonstrating minimal patient complications, and significant results compared to alternative treatment devices.”