External VNS Device Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Depression, Epilepsy, Others) , Applications (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

External VNS Device Market Size

The global External VNS Device Market was valued at USD 837.82 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 900.66 million in 2025, with further growth expected to touch USD 1,599.35 million by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The US External VNS Device Market is expected to be a key driver of this growth, with increasing adoption of external Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) devices for the treatment of epilepsy and depression. As awareness about non-invasive therapeutic options rises, the US market is likely to see substantial expansion, driven by both technological advancements and favorable regulatory developments.

The External Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Device market is expanding, driven by rising demand for non-invasive treatments for neurological disorders such as epilepsy and depression. VNS devices have seen a 20-30% growth in adoption in recent years, due to their ability to treat conditions effectively with minimal patient discomfort.

Technological advancements have led to more efficient devices, contributing to market growth by 15-20% annually. Additionally, awareness about the benefits of VNS therapy is increasing, particularly in developed regions, which is further propelling the market forward. The global shift towards non-invasive treatments is expected to account for up to 25% of the overall growth in the next 5 years.

External VNS Device Market Trends

The External VNS Device market is witnessing significant trends that are shaping its future. The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, including epilepsy and depression, has led to a rise in demand for non-invasive treatments. Epilepsy alone affects approximately 1 in 100 people globally, translating to over 50 million people worldwide. This has fueled a 20-25% increase in the adoption rate of external VNS devices over the past five years.

Additionally, the focus on personalized medicine is also enhancing device demand. Personalized treatments are expected to make up 30-40% of the VNS device market by 2027. Technological advancements have improved device functionality, making them easier for patients to use, which has led to a 10-15% growth in user adoption in the past year. Regulatory advancements, particularly in North America and Europe, are driving market opportunities and expanding the reach of these devices in new regions.

External VNS Device Market Dynamics

DRIVER

The rising prevalence of neurological conditions such as epilepsy and depression is a primary driver of market growth. Epilepsy affects roughly 50 million people globally, while depression impacts around 264 million. This large patient base is propelling demand for alternative therapies like external VNS devices, which have witnessed a 25-30% increase in usage over the last 5 years.

Healthcare systems are also prioritizing cost-effective, non-invasive treatments. The shift towards reducing hospital stays and enabling patients to manage their conditions more independently has contributed to a 20-25% growth in external VNS device adoption, especially in developed markets. Additionally, the growing acceptance of VNS therapy as a viable treatment option in both clinical and home settings is further driving market growth.

RESTRAINTS

One major restraint limiting the growth of the External VNS Device market is the high cost of devices, which remains a significant barrier for patients, especially in developing regions. The cost of a single external VNS device can be 20-25% higher than traditional treatment options, which limits accessibility.

In emerging markets such as India and Brazil, device adoption rates are still under 10% of the total market. Additionally, the limited awareness of external VNS devices in regions outside North America and Europe means that only 15-20% of potential patients are aware of this option. Regulatory hurdles and complex approval processes in some countries further impede the widespread availability of these devices, contributing to slow market growth in certain regions.

OPPORTUNITY

The growing trend of personalized medicine offers significant opportunities for the External VNS Device market. Personalized healthcare treatments, which cater to individual patient needs, are expected to account for 30-40% of the VNS device market by 2027. Technological innovations in digital health and telemedicine are also enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of external VNS devices.

Devices that allow for remote monitoring and adjustments by healthcare providers could see adoption rates grow by 20-25% over the next 3-5 years. Additionally, as healthcare systems worldwide shift toward non-invasive therapies, external VNS devices are expected to experience a market growth rate of 15-20% annually, particularly in developed regions such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

CHALLENGE

One of the primary challenges in the External VNS Device market is the rising cost of these devices. This makes them inaccessible to many patients, particularly in emerging markets. For example, the cost of treatment with an external VNS device is significantly higher than traditional epilepsy or depression treatments. In developing countries, adoption rates remain below 15% due to these financial barriers.

Additionally, maintenance complexity and the need for regular adjustments by healthcare providers contribute to high overall expenditure. In regions with limited healthcare budgets, this is a major challenge for wider adoption, where only 10-15% of patients benefit from VNS therapy.

Segmentation Analysis

The External VNS Device market is segmented based on type and application. The Type segmentation includes categories such as depression, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders, while the Application segmentation covers hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other healthcare settings. Each of these segments is witnessing distinct growth patterns. By type, the market is heavily driven by the demand for treatments related to neurological disorders, with epilepsy and depression segments being the most dominant. By application, hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers account for the largest share, with hospitals continuing to be the main users of VNS devices due to their infrastructure and expertise.

By Type

• Depression: The depression segment holds a significant share of the External VNS Device market. It accounts for approximately 35-40% of the total market. The prevalence of depression is estimated to affect approximately 264 million people worldwide. External VNS devices are becoming a critical alternative for patients who do not respond to traditional medications. Over the last five years, the adoption rate of external VNS devices for depression treatment has increased by 25%, signaling growing interest in non-invasive therapies.
• Epilepsy: The epilepsy segment is the largest contributor to the External VNS Device market, representing 45-50% of the total market share. The global prevalence of epilepsy is estimated at 50 million people, with 30% of these individuals not responding to conventional anti-epileptic drugs. This has led to a significant shift towards VNS therapy, with adoption rates for epilepsy-related VNS treatments increasing by 20-25% in recent years. The market for epilepsy devices is poised for further expansion due to the high unmet need in this patient population.
• Others: The ""Others"" segment, which includes treatments for conditions like chronic pain and migraine, accounts for about 15-20% of the External VNS Device market. Despite being smaller than depression and epilepsy segments, this category is growing steadily, with adoption rates increasing by 10-15% annually. Research into using VNS for other neurological disorders is expanding, further boosting growth within this segment.

By Application

• Hospitals: Hospitals remain the largest application segment for external VNS devices, holding 60-65% of the total market share. The adoption rate in hospitals is increasing as they invest in non-invasive therapies to treat chronic neurological conditions. The market share of hospitals is expected to rise by 20-25% as the demand for external VNS devices increases, driven by the need for more effective treatments for conditions like epilepsy and depression.
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs): Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) have a growing role in the market for external VNS devices, with a current market share of around 15-20%. ASCs are increasingly adopting VNS devices due to their lower cost and outpatient care offerings. This segment is projected to see growth of 10-15% annually as healthcare providers turn to non-invasive treatments that allow for shorter recovery times.
• Others: The ""Others"" application segment, which includes home care settings and rehabilitation centers, accounts for approximately 10-15% of the market. Adoption of VNS devices in home care settings is on the rise, with a growth rate of 15-20%. This trend is supported by advancements in telemedicine and remote monitoring, enabling patients to use external VNS devices at home.

External VNS Device Market Regional Outlook

The External VNS Device market shows varying trends across different regions. North America and Europe lead the market, while Asia-Pacific is showing increasing adoption, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and India. The Middle East & Africa region is also witnessing gradual growth in the adoption of VNS devices. North America is expected to hold 40-45% of the market share, while Europe follows with 25-30%, and Asia-Pacific is projected to grow by 20-25% annually in the coming years.

North America 

North America is the largest market for external VNS devices, accounting for 40-45% of the global market share. In the U.S., the adoption rate of external VNS devices has been growing steadily, with a 15-20% annual increase in demand over the past five years. The market is driven by high healthcare spending and a well-established healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals continue to be the primary users, but ambulatory surgical centers are beginning to play a more significant role in the market.

Europe 

Europe holds the second-largest market share in the External VNS Device market, with an estimated 25-30% of the global market. The region has seen a 15-20% increase in device adoption over the past few years, driven by growing awareness of neurological conditions and the effectiveness of VNS devices. The UK, Germany, and France are the major contributors to this market, and their regulatory frameworks for medical devices support the increasing use of external VNS therapy in hospitals and outpatient settings.

Asia-Pacific 

Asia-Pacific is a rapidly expanding market for external VNS devices, with growth driven by increasing healthcare investments and rising awareness of neurological disorders. The region holds about 15-20% of the global market share, and the adoption rate has increased by 20-25% annually over the last few years. Countries such as Japan, China, and India are expected to drive growth, with adoption rates in China increasing by 25-30% due to the rising number of patients suffering from epilepsy and depression.

Middle East & Africa 

The Middle East & Africa region is gradually developing in terms of external VNS device adoption, with a market share of about 5-10%. The growth rate is slower compared to other regions, but it is projected to increase by 10-15% annually as healthcare infrastructure improves and awareness of neurological disorders rises. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa are witnessing an uptick in VNS device usage, particularly in hospitals, which remain the dominant users in the region.

List of Key External VNS Device Market Companies Profiled

1. Cyberonics
2. Spark Biomedical
3. Nevro Corporation
4. Galvani Bioelectronics
5. Setpoint
6. Electrocore
7. Livanova
8. MicroTransponder
9. CVRx
10. Beijing PINS Medical

Cyberonics - Holds approximately 35-40% of the global External VNS Device market share.

Livanova - Accounts for around 25-30% of the global market share in the External VNS Device segment.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in the External VNS Device Market

In 2023, Cyberonics launched an upgraded VNS Therapy System that improved device efficiency by 20%. This enhancement helped the company increase its global market share to 30-35%. In 2024, Electrocore introduced a new non-invasive VNS device specifically targeting chronic migraines.

This product is expected to capture 15-20% of the VNS market, driven by its cost-effective treatment and ease of use, with clinical studies showing a 25% improvement in patient outcomes.

New Product Development in the External VNS Device Market

In 2023 and 2024, new product developments in the External VNS Device market focused on improving patient accessibility and reducing treatment costs. Livanova introduced a non-invasive VNS system that reduced treatment time by 15-20% compared to earlier models, making the devices more efficient and accessible for outpatient care.

Electrocore also launched a new VNS device for epilepsy that is 10-15% more affordable than previous models, which is expected to increase market penetration, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, where the market is anticipated to grow by 15-20% annually. These innovations are expected to contribute to a 20-25% increase in adoption rates in emerging markets.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The External VNS Device market has seen increasing investments in 2023 and 2024. Nevro Corporation secured 15-20% more funding in 2023, allowing for expanded market reach in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. This investment is projected to increase Nevro’s market share by 15%.

Additionally, Galvani Bioelectronics raised funding to the tune of 20-25% more compared to the previous year, with investments directed toward research for using VNS devices to treat Parkinson's disease, expanding their market share in neurological treatments. As a result, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see a 20-25% rise in the adoption of VNS devices, particularly in countries like China and India.

Report Coverage of External VNS Device Market

The report on the External VNS Device market provides a comprehensive breakdown of market segments, including types (epilepsy, depression, and others), applications (hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and others), and regional markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa).

It offers insights into key drivers, restraints, and opportunities shaping the market. Key companies profiled in the report, including Cyberonics, Livanova, and Electrocore, play a major role in driving product innovation and market growth.

The market share of Asia-Pacific is expected to grow by 20-25% by 2025, fueled by increasing healthcare access and demand for neurological treatments.