What is Neuromodulation?
Neuromodulation is a medical approach used to regulate or alter the activity of the nervous system by delivering electrical stimulation. This is done by stimulating or inhibiting specific nerve cells, neurotransmitters, or neural circuits.
Neuromodulation techniques can include:
- Electrical stimulation,
- Magnetic stimulation, or
- Chemical modulation.
Electrical stimulation involves the application of small electrical currents to specific areas of the nervous system to stimulate or inhibit activity.
Magnetic stimulation uses a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in the brain or peripheral nerves.
Chemical modulation involves the use of drugs to alter the activity of specific neurotransmitters or receptors.
Selectively ablated multi-lumen lead tubing
Insights into the Neuromodulation Device Market
The neuromodulation device market is growing rapidly. The two main reasons that contribute to this market’s growth are for one, the all-time high prevalence of neurological disorders, and two, advances in technology that have made neuromodulation devices much more effective.
According to a report by
Grand View Research, the global neuromodulation device market size was valued at USD 3.19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a 9.5% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) between 2022 and 2030 to reach USD 8.3 billion revenue in 2030.
Welded electrode and electrode spline assembly
What are Neuromodulation Devices and What Disorders do they Treat?
To support neuromodulation techniques, Neuromodulation devices are used. These devices use electrical or magnetic stimulation to modulate the activity of the nervous system and treat various neurological disorders. The main device categories are:
- Deep brain stimulators
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Sacral nerve stimulators
- Transcranial stimulators
- Vagus nerve stimulators and others.
Deep brain stimulators are expected to show the fastest growth rate based on an increase in use for treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, epilepsy and essential tremors. The deep brain stimulator sends electrical signals to a specific area of the brain for pain relief or correct abnormal brain activity.
Other neurological disorders including cerebrovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and tremors that affect the peripheral and central nervous system in the body. Neuromodulation is a minimally invasive or non-invasive therapy used for treating patients with neurological disorders. Neuromodulation devices are implantable medical devices used for altering a particular nerve with the help of electrical impulses.
Welded titanium implant electronics shield
AMETEK EMC’s Expertise in Neuromodulation Device Component Manufacturing
Neuromodulation device components are a key area of focus for AMETEK Engineered Medical Components (EMC).
As a leading manufacturer for a wide range of medical device components, AMETEK EMC is at the forefront of this medical technology-focused field working with internal experts, engineers, and researchers to design, develop and refine technologies that ensure neuromodulation device components are manufactured with laser-focused technology and highest precision to ensure 100% reliability of our customers’ neurological devices.
All three of AMETEK EMC’s leading expert brands Laserage, Avicenna, and TSE are involved in the neuromodulation devices market:
- At Avicenna, we laser ablate various components of a neurostimulation electrode, such as the wire insulation inside the neurostimulation lead. The wire is designed to conduct electrical impulses from a neurostimulator device to the targeted nerves. It is the actual laser ablation of the wire inside the lead that facilitates electrical connections. In addition to the laser ablated insulation of the wire, the tubing with which the neurostimulation lead is made from also gets ablated so it exposes the ends of the wires to the electrodes that stimulate the nerves.
- TSE manufactures cable assembly for the neurostimulation generator. Some of these are used in the testing and setup of the neuromodulation generator. The cable assembly that attaches the antenna to the neurostimulator is a critical component that is responsible for reliable and secure communication between the two devices. The cable assembly consists of a flexible wire that connects the antenna to the neurostimulator, along with any necessary connectors, shielding, and insulation. TSE is also involved with neurostimulation pads and with the cable assembly of the stimulator antenna. An antenna that's attached to a neurostimulator is typically used for communication between the neurostimulator device and an external programmer or controller. The antenna is typically a small, thin wire that is either embedded within the neurostimulator or attached to it externally.
- Laserage has the ability to laser-cut the titanium generator cans as well as welding components to the cans. These generators are small, battery-powered devices developed to deliver electrical impulses to specific nerves in the body.
Creatively ablated polymer tubing
AMETEK EMC has been manufacturing components for medical device leaders involved in neurostimulation devices used for sleep, snoring, epilepsy, and bladder control. We also provide outsourced solutions for neuromodulation including developing and manufacturing:
- Programming antennas
- Temporary leads
- Multi-lead interconnects
- Implanted lead conductors
- Machined lead body tubing
Medical experts use our products in a variety of surgical procedures, and our company's electro-surgical expertise is founded on more than 30 years of experience. Various electrosurgical tools and equipment, including generators, handpieces, electrodes, and accessories, are included in the solution portfolio.