North America Feeding Tubes Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Nasogastric Tube, Nasojejunal Feeding Tube, Gastric Tube (G Tube), Jejunostomy Tube (J Tube), and Orogastric Tube), By Age (Adult and Pediatric), By Application (Oncology, Gastroenterology, Diabetes, and Others), By End-user (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Homecare, and Others), and Forecast, 2022-2029

The North America feeding tubes market size was valued at USD 478.5 million in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 504.3 million in 2022 to USD 890.7 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with feeding tubes experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across North America compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the market exhibited a slower growth of 2.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to people who cannot obtain the same by mouth, are unable to swallow safely, or need nutritional supplementation. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer is one of the major factors supporting market growth. Cancer patients often suffer from malnutrition, which requires enteral feeding via these tubes. According to the Feeding Tube Awareness Week (media page), around half a million children and adults in the U.S. were dependent on enteral feeding in 2022.

Other chronic ailments that require enteral feeding are certain neurological conditions, gastrointestinal ailments, and diabetes. Hence, the disease's growing prevalence presents a large patient pool requiring enteral feeding. This, along with a focus on new and innovative products, is anticipated to boost the North America feeding tubes market growth in the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Rates of ICU Admissions to Augment Demand 

COVID-19 pandemic led to a comparatively lower demand for feeding tubes in North America. An increasing number of COVID-19 patient admission resulted in the rising number of ICU admission in North America. Also, ICU patients mostly require enteral feeding, which is done via these tubes. Hence, the demand and adoption of the these tubes increased among ICU patients during.

According to Global Change Data Lab, the number of ICU admission due to COVID-19 increased from 9,245 in July 2020 to 27,748 in December 2020. Also, according to a number of KOL interviews, it was reported that a significant rise in the demand for nasojejunal tubes and nasogastric tubes were observed for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic in the U.S. This resulted in the growth of the market.

However, a significant decrease was observed for gastric, orogastric, and other feeding tubes during this pandemic, owing to the postponement of long-term enteral feeding therapy and cancellation of appointments for enteral feeding in a number of healthcare settings, among others. This led to a significant decline in the demand for these products in the U.S. and Canada, which offset the market's growth considerably during the pandemic.

Additionally, the key players operating in the North America feeding tubes market experienced a significant increase in the revenue of these tubes during the post-pandemic situation. For instance, Avanos Medical Inc. experienced an increase of 9.6% in the revenue of the digestive health segment in 2021 as compared to the previous year. This, along with the ease of the lockdown scenario and resumption of postponed appointments, caused a stiff rise in the demand and adoption of these tubes observed during 2021 in the U.S. and Canada.

LATEST TRENDS

Gradual Shift toward Enteral Feeding Over Parenteral Feeding During the Study Period

A gradual shift or transition toward enteral feeding over parenteral feeding was observed during the study period. Enteral nutrition is the preferred route of nutrient transfer. There are several benefits of enteral nutrition over parenteral such as feeding through the enteral route has fewer septic and metabolic complications compared to parenteral nutrient delivery. Moreover, feeding through the enteral route prevents villous atrophy and endorses the gut's immune function.

This, along with a significant preferential shift toward home enteral nutrition, was observed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Certain distinct advantages, including at-home treatment, comfortable, less-time consumption, no-hospital stay, and others are fueling the adoption rate of the home setting for enteral nutrition therapy. According to a study published by the Frontiers Media S.A. in 2022, HEN significantly improved the quality of life and nutritional status in esophageal cancer patients.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Technological Advancement Pertaining to Feeding Tubes will Surge the Product Demand

 Tube feeding is a necessary alternative for children who are unable to ingest food orally due to a chronic illness. However, there are certain difficulties that medical professionals face during tube feeding such as tube placement errors. Hence, to avoid such hazards, various companies are focusing on research and development activities with the aim of manufacturing novel technology-based feeding tube systems.

For instance, in May 2021, QMD, a subsidiary of Q Holding Company, expanded its enteral feeding portfolio with the addition of nasogastric tubes to the Degania enteral feeding product family. This product range includes a number of pediatric and adult designs along with enhanced patient safety. Hence, such advancements will strongly surge the demand for these tubes.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Product Recalls by Key Players are Hampering the Product Demand 

The increasing number of product recalls pertaining to feeding tubes is one of the major restricting factors. In January 2020, Kentec Medical, Inc’s Ameritus medical products ENFit polyurethane and silicone feeding tubes were recalled. The feeding tube’s plastic tethered closure cap may possibly fracture or break. This might cause possible health hazards. The enteral feeding and medication administration could be delayed until a replacement tube is placed into the patient. Also, the patient could be unnecessarily overexposed to radiation if multiplex rays are needed to confirm the placement of a new tube. Hence, such factors might restrict market growth.

Also, in October 2020, Avanos Medical, Inc.’s CORFLO NG/NI Pediatric Neonatal Feeding Tube was recalled due to technical issues (Detachment of the AIV Adaptor from the Y-Connector). Thus, this huge number of recalls within a very short period is impacting the key companies' brand image, resulting in a decline in the demand and adoption of these tubes during the study period.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Simplicity of Nasogastric Tube Placement Led to Segmental Dominance

Based on type, the market is categorized into nasogastric tube, nasojejunal feeding tube, gastric tube (G tube), jejunostomy tube (J tube), and orogastric tube.

Among them, the nasogastric tube segment is poised to hold a significant market share during the forecast period. This is attributable to the growing prevalence of chronic ailments such as cancer in the U.S. For instance, according to an article by Lung Cancer Research Foundation, it was estimated that around 236,740 people would be diagnosed with lung cancer by 2022 in the U.S. Cancer patients often require enteral feeding during their ICU stay, as they are sometimes deprived of oral feeding. Moreover, nasogastric tubes have minimal insertion complexities compared to other feeding tubes.

The gastric tube (G tube) or gastrostomy tube segment is poised to witness a significant CAGR in the forecast period. The stable share is majorly attributable to the rising number of product launches during the past few years. For instance, in July 2020, VIPUN Medical and Baxter International Inc. confirmed an agreement to market the VIPUN Gastric Monitoring System. This novel technology-based device features a smart feeding tube intended to quantify stomach motility with an aim to help physicians identify feeding intolerance in the critical care unit and other healthcare settings.

By Age Analysis 

Increasing Number of Chronic Ailments among Adult Population to Stimulate Segmental Growth

In terms of age, the adult segment accounted for the maximum portion of the market in 2021. An increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, such as gastrointestinal (GI) ailments and cancer, in American adults is one of the major growth-stimulating factors. For instance, according to an article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2022, it was reported that an average of 58% of total cancer cases were found in the adult age group of 65 years and older.   

The pediatric segment will continue to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing incidence of neurological conditions in the pediatric population and rapid increase in neonate population. For instance, in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 10 infants born in the U.S. were preterm births. This is leading to the increasing use of these tubes in enteral feeding. Such cases often require enteral feeding, thereby augmenting the segmental growth.

By Application Analysis 

Surging Healthcare Expenditure Pertaining to Gastrointestinal Ailments to Drive the Segment

Based on application, the market is classified into oncology, gastroenterology, diabetes, and others.

The gastroenterology segment dominated the market in 2021. High shares of the segment are attributable to the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions among the U.S. population. This is resulting in the rising demand for treatment options as well as enteral feeding options. For instance, in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 19% of adults suffered from gastrointestinal diseases in Canada. Thus, this is leading to the rising adoption of enteral feeding among the patient population in this region.

The diabetes segment is expected to witness stable growth. This is due to the increasing number of diabetes cases in the U.S. requiring enteral feeding.

By End-user Analysis 

Hospitals Segment to Dominate the Market Owing to Increasing ICU Admissions

The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2021. High shares of the segment are majorly due to the increasing number of critical care admissions across the U.S. People admitted to ICUs are often treated with enteral nutrition, thereby augmenting the segmental growth. For instance, according to an article by Science Briefs, there was an increase of 28% in ICU occupancy that was observed in Ontario from December 2020 to March 2021. Hence, such critical cases often require enteral feeding, thus augmenting the segmental growth.

The homecare segment is projected to witness significant growth in the forecast period. This is attributable to increasing emphasis of healthcare agencies toward homecare and rising number of patients receiving enteral nutrition in the U.S. This is further augmented by the introduction of new products by market players along with an increasing number of service providers offering home enteral feeding services in the country.  

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The North America market stood at USD 478.5 million in 2021. Increased preference of prominent players to introduce products in the U.S. is a key factor driving the growth of the market in the region. They are targeting approvals from the U.S. FDA and other regulatory bodies to gather a customer base in North America. Moreover, higher investments in research and development pertaining to enteral feeding are projected to boost market growth.

Among countries, the U.S. dominated the market in terms of revenue contribution. The increasing prevalence of key disorders, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and others have been instrumental in the increasing demand for enteral nutrition. This is alternatively increasing the adoption of enteral feeding tubes across the U.S. and supporting the growth of the market.

On the other hand, rising initiatives by profit and non-profit organizations in Canada regarding the awareness of enteral feeding are fueling the demand and adoption of a number of these tubes, accessories, and other nutritious products. For instance, in February 2022, a number of awareness campaigns were organized by the Canadian Nutrition Society to increase awareness of available therapy options and product availability for enteral nutrition. This is fostering the growth rate of the Canada market during the study period.   

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Distribution Channels and Robust Portfolios to Augment the Revenue Growth of Key Players 

The market is nearly consolidated in nature with major players, such as Fresenius Kabi Ltd., Cardinal Health, B. Braun SE, BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company), Baxter, Avanos Medical Inc., and others, accounting for a major portion of the industry.

Major players, including Fresenius Kabi Ltd., B. Braun SE, and others are constantly focusing on organic growth strategies, including increasing investment in research and development and product launches to widen the product portfolio and cater to the supply-demand gap. In April 2022, Fresenius Kabi Ltd. launched Enteral Nutrition Product App intending to provide detailed product information and a quick comparison tool to compare nutritional values against reference nutrient intakes.

Other major players, such as Cardinal Health, Baxter, have been continuously holding a strong position in the market. This can be attributable to several factors such as a strong initiative to increase the product portfolio of enteral feeding devices and strengthen the distribution channel in the U.S. In February 2022, Cardinal Health announced the addition of a new distribution center in Ohio to support the company’s At Home Solutions business.

The other players operating in the market are Applied Medical Technology Inc., ALCOR Scientific Inc., Amsino International, Inc., Q, and Vygon.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Q (U.S.)


• Amsino International, Inc. (U.S.)


• ALCOR Scientific (U.S.)


• Fresenius Kabi Ltd. (Germany)


• Cardinal Health (U.S.)


• BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) (U.S.)


• B. Braun SE (Germany)


• Avanos Medical Inc. (U.S.)


• Baxter (U.S.)


• Vygon (France)


• Applied Medical Technology, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2022 - BD announced the acquisition of Parata Systems with an aim to provide a transformative solutions strategy to enhance patient safety. This will also improve the patient experience for retail, hospital, and long-term care pharmacies.


• June 2022 - BD collaborated with Mayo Clinic platform with an aim to access the patient data to perform post-market surveillance on its products. This will help the company to increase its customers globally.


• July 2020 - Baxter and VIPUN Medical announced an agreement to commercialize the VIPUN Gastric Monitoring System.


• June 2020 – Applied Medical Technology, Inc. announced that it expanded its G-JET product offering to include the traditional G-JET gastric-jejunal enteral feeding tube.


• May 2020 - Cardinal Health announced the capacity expansion of Kangaroo ePump and Joey enteral feeding pump sets to increase the production capacity. This enabled the company to fulfill the rising demand for patients.

REPORT COVERAGE

The North America feeding tubes market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product type, age groups, applications, and end-users. Besides, it offers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation