Implantable Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Market: Biotronik’s Strategic Shift

In late February 2025, Biotronik made headlines with a bold strategic move that redefines its role in the implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device market. On February 27th, the company announced that it would be divesting its vascular intervention business to focus more intently on its portfolio of implantable solutions. This shift is part of a broader strategy to better serve an aging population with increasing cardiac care needs and to position Biotronik at the forefront of the evolving implantable cardiac rhythm management device market.

Let’s explore the numbers driving this shift, the challenges and opportunities facing Biotronik, and how this new direction positions the company for future growth.

Biotronik’s Strategy

Biotronik’s pivot toward implantable CRM devices, alongside its expansion into the neuromodulation market with products like the Prospera Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, highlights the company’s vision for sustained growth in the medtech sector. By focusing on CRM, heart failure, and neuromodulation devices, Biotronik aims to strengthen its position in markets experiencing increasing demand for high-reliability implantable technologies.

Biotronik’s decision to narrow its focus comes at a time when CRM devices are facing both stable demand and mounting challenges. CRM devices, particularly pacemakers and defibrillators, are essential in managing arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, all of which disproportionately affect the aging population. However, the market is also maturing, which means that while there is continued demand, the growth of this market has become incremental, leading to pressures on device makers to innovate continuously.

The $11.5 billion global CRM market is projected to grow at a modest 2.6% CAGR through 2029, aligning closely with the procedure volume growth of 2.7% annually. This stable, yet somewhat slow, growth underscores the ongoing need for innovation in the sector, where companies like Biotronik, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott continue to hold significant shares.

While CRM remains a steady revenue stream, Biotronik’s expansion into neuromodulation technologies, including its Prospera SCS system, represents a strategic diversification to capitalize on higher-growth markets.

What’s Driving the Implantable Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Market?

Biotronik’s decision to focus on the implantable cardiac rhythm management device market comes as the company faces a competitive environment dominated by a few key players. Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific are among the largest companies in the space, holding approximately 70% of the market share. As the market becomes more mature, the opportunity to differentiate through next-generation technology becomes increasingly important.

One key driver for the continued relevance of CRM is the aging global population, particularly as the prevalence of heart failure and arrhythmias grows. Heart failure affects more than 64 million people globally, with numbers expected to rise as populations age. Additionally, sudden cardiac death remains a major public health concern, further increasing the need for more effective CRM solutions.

Biotronik’s approach to the CRM market emphasizes high-reliability devices that can deliver more targeted, efficient, and longer-lasting treatments for patients. By focusing on clinical evidence and innovation, the company aims to meet the evolving needs of physicians and patients alike.

Biotronik’s Strategic Focus on Neuromodulation

In addition to CRM, Biotronik is expanding its reach into the growing neuromodulation market. Neuromodulation technologies like the Prospera Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system offer non-pharmacologic solutions for patients suffering from chronic pain. With a projected growth rate of 4.2% CAGR, the SCS market offers high potential, particularly as demand for non-opioid pain management solutions increases worldwide.

The global surge in heart failure cases, combined with the increasing prevalence of chronic pain, provides Biotronik with multiple opportunities to enhance its implantable device portfolio. Neuromodulation technologies offer new avenues for growth, especially with their ability to improve patient quality of life while addressing significant gaps in current treatments.

Market Growth and Innovation in CRM Devices

As the CRM market faces pressures from mature growth rates, Biotronik is positioning itself for long-term success by investing heavily in R&D and developing next-generation implantable cardiac rhythm management devices. One of the challenges of the current CRM landscape is the rising demand for devices that are both more reliable and more efficient.

Innovation in CRM technology has shifted toward devices with advanced features like MRI compatibility, closed-loop stimulation, and more compact, long-lasting batteries. These innovations are designed to make treatment more personalized and less invasive while improving patient comfort and reducing complications.

Innovators in the Implantable CRM Device Market

While Biotronik continues to evolve its strategy within the CRM market, other innovators are actively shaping the future of implantable CRM devices. These emerging companies are developing technologies that may challenge the traditional leaders in the space.

• FineHeart: The company’s ICOMS FLOWMAKER implantable cardiac output management system is designed for patients with severe heart failure, offering a novel approach to managing cardiac output.
• CAIRDAC: With its ALPS pacing system, CAIRDAC is working on a leadless pacemaker that addresses the limitations of traditional pacemakers, offering a self-sustainable system.
• BAROPACE: BAROPACE is working on an intelligent, closed-loop neuromodulation system that optimizes blood pressure management in real time, providing a fresh approach to hypertension management.
• ThermoBeat: ThermoBeat’s unique technology harnesses thermal energy to power pacemakers, removing the need for battery replacements.

These companies are developing innovative solutions that have the potential to disrupt the implantable CRM device market. As Biotronik sharpens its focus on implantable technologies, it will face increasing competition from these up-and-coming players.

What’s Next for Biotronik and the Implantable CRM Device Market?

Biotronik’s strategic shift toward implantable cardiac rhythm management devices and its growing neuromodulation portfolio reflect a broader industry trend toward innovation and specialization. The $11.5 billion CRM market continues to present significant opportunities, but companies must innovate to remain competitive.

Biotronik’s focus on high-reliability devices, clinical evidence, and next-generation technologies will enable the company to capture a larger share of the CRM and neuromodulation markets. As the healthcare landscape evolves, patient needs for more effective and less invasive treatments will continue to grow, making it essential for companies like Biotronik to stay ahead of the curve with novel, high-quality solutions.

Looking ahead, expect to see more investments and acquisitions in the implantable CRM device market as medtech companies, including Biotronik, look to secure their position as leaders in this rapidly evolving space.

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