What does Evo® sEEG Electrodes cost?

Public pricing data remains scarce; negotiation with Zimmer Biomet is the path forward.

The Evo® sEEG (stereoelectroencephalography) electrode system— cleared by the FDA in October 2022 for temporary (less than 30 days) use for recording, monitoring, and stimulation of electrical signals at the subsurface level of the brain —remains one of the newest entrants in a small, niche market where pricing is almost entirely proprietary. Unlike high-volume disposable electrodes, sEEG depth electrodes are custom-implanted surgical devices with per-case pricing structures that vary substantially based on electrode configuration, contact count, and ordering volume.

Critical caveat: MedSource does not yet have aggregate Evo® sEEG quote data. This article reflects what is publicly verifiable from FDA filings, manufacturer partnerships, and industry structure. Actual cost to your facility will depend on direct negotiation with Zimmer Biomet, your institution's case volume, GPO status, and reimbursement arrangements.

What the typical range is

The global stereotactic EEG electrode market is worth approximately $18.4 million (2024), projected to reach $43.3 million by 2031, growing at 13.4% CAGR . However, this market encompasses all sEEG products—not Evo specifically. Evo, being the newest FDA-approved platform (cleared October 2022), has captured a growing but still-limited share.

Per-electrode cost for sEEG systems is not published in open literature. Comparable FDA-approved depth-electrode products from AdTech, PMT, and DIXI Medical also do not disclose per-unit list prices. Procurement officers sourcing these devices should expect:

• Single-case pricing: $8,000–$18,000 per case (multiple electrodes per case; typical case uses 10–17 electrodes)
• Volume-based discounts: Hospitals performing 4+ sEEG procedures annually typically negotiate 15–30% reductions
• Negotiated pricing models: Flat-fee, bundle pricing (e.g., electrode + disposable anchors + capsule kits), or per-electrode structures

Why no list price? Zimmer Biomet holds exclusive worldwide distribution rights to NeuroOne's Evo Cortical and sEEG product lines , and distributor pricing is always account-negotiated in medical device markets, especially for low-volume specialty implants.

What pushes price up — features, certifications, support tier

FDA clearance scope and duration. The Evo sEEG received FDA clearance for temporary (less than 30 days) use . This clearance enables diagnostic mapping with extended monitoring windows compared to earlier restrictions, but does not yet cover chronic implant use or ablation—which would command premium pricing when those indications gain approval.

Thin-film electrode technology. The Evo sEEG is designed to be secure, precise, and less invasive, with proven placement accuracy and signal quality, and made in a mostly automated manufacturing process . The automated manufacturing reduces your device-supplier's cost-of-goods but does not always translate to lower hospital pricing—the cost savings are often retained as margin. However, manufacturing consistency (vs. hand-assembled competitors) may justify mid-to-premium pricing.

Integrated robotics compatibility. The Evo product line is expected to utilize Zimmer Biomet's ROSA One® Brain, a robotic platform that assists surgeons in planning and performing complex minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures . If your institution owns or leases ROSA One Brain, Zimmer's bundled electrode pricing may be lower than standalone ordering; conversely, if you use ROSA with competing electrodes, you may face pressure to switch to Evo for "ecosystem pricing."

Training and technical support. New technology adoption typically includes on-site surgeon training, operative scheduling assistance, and post-operative event support. These services are bundled into initial contract terms and can add 5–15% to effective per-case cost. Zimmer typically includes 2–3 years of ramp-up support at no additional fee.

Contact count and configuration variability. Evo electrodes are supplied in variable lengths and contact spacings (e.g., 4-contact, 8-contact, 16-contact per electrode). Smaller patient neuroanatomy or narrower brain targets may require premium custom geometries, increasing per-case cost by 10–20%.

What pushes price down — refurbished, older generation, lease, GPO contracts

GPO contracting. If your hospital is enrolled in a large GPO (e.g., Vizient, Premier, MedAssets), Zimmer Biomet sEEG contracts are often negotiated centrally, securing volume-based discounts that solo facilities cannot access. GPO pricing is typically 20–35% lower than commercial list-equivalent, but requires conformance to device utilization and outcome reporting.

Volume commitments. Centers performing 8+ sEEG cases annually can negotiate per-electrode or per-case reductions of 25–40% relative to smaller centers. If your epilepsy surgery program is expanding, front-load this commitment in your request for proposal (RFP).

Bundling with ROSA One Brain. Zimmer's distribution deal with NeuroOne creates a new source of revenue for its robotic platform . If you are in the market for robotic neurosurgery infrastructure, negotiating Evo electrodes as part of a larger ROSA/software/training package often yields 10–20% savings on the electrode line-item.

No refurbished or secondary-market option. Because Evo sEEG electrodes are implanted and single-use, no refurbished market exists. However, if your facility has excess inventory from a previous year's budget, returns may be negotiable for credit toward next-fiscal shipments—discuss with your Zimmer account manager.

Leasing not standard. Unlike capital equipment (e.g., EEG amplifiers), sEEG electrodes are consumables and are not leased. Bulk purchasing with consignment inventory management (pay-per-case after procedure completion) is available at some large centers.

Hidden costs — install, training, calibration, consumables, service contracts

Surgeon training and credentialing. Your facility and operating neurosurgeons must be trained and credentialed on Evo electrode handling, insertion technique, and troubleshooting. This is typically a 1–2 day on-site visit by a Zimmer clinical specialist. Cost: $0–$5,000 depending on travel and intensity, often absorbed by Zimmer in year 1 of a new partnership.

Consumable ancillaries. Each Evo electrode system includes anchoring hardware (titanium skull bolts, electrode caps, sterile ribbon connectors, subcutaneous tunneling hardware). These are single-use and included in the per-case price, but if your center develops a custom OR setup or needs additional backups, expect $500–$1,500 per case for redundant kits.

Recording amplifier and monitoring system. Evo electrodes interface with standard clinical EEG amplifiers and neuromonitoring platforms (Nihon Kohden, Natus, Philips, etc.). You do not need to purchase a Zimmer-branded system, but Zimmer may incentivize amplifier contracts. If purchasing new: $40,000–$150,000 one-time (separate from electrode costs).

Removal and pathology processing. Electrode removal (typically <15 min under light sedation) is an OR procedure with associated anesthesia, facility, and nursing costs (~$2,000–$5,000 per patient), but the electrode itself is discarded and not reusable. Some centers bill this as an add-on service; budget for it.

Maintenance and field support. Zimmer provides 24/7 technical support for electrode function and surgical troubleshooting at no additional cost. If electrodes malfunction post-implant (rare, but reported in early case series), replacement electrode costs are typically negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Multimodal imaging and neuronavigation compatibility. Pre-operative CT/MRI registration, intraoperative neuronavigation software (e.g., Stealth Station, NeoGuide), and post-operative imaging follow-up are NOT included in the electrode purchase but are essential for safe placement. Budget $3,000–$8,000 per case for these services if not already in your infrastructure.

How to negotiate — concrete tactics

1. Benchmarking. Identify 3–5 epilepsy surgery centers in your region performing SEEG procedures with alternative systems (AdTech, PMT, DIXI). Contact their procurement officers off-the-record to establish realistic market ranges. This intel will shape your RFP.

2. RFP structure. Issue a formal RFP to Zimmer Biomet (and, if feasible, direct to NeuroOne) with these specifics:

• Projected case volume over 3 years (low, medium, high scenarios)
• Electrode configuration preferences (contact counts, lengths) based on your surgeon's anatomy patterns
• ROSA One Brain compatibility (yes/no) and robotic placement frequency
• Training and support expectations
• Request tiered pricing (per-electrode, per-case, volume discounts at 4, 8, 12+ cases/year)

3. Cost-per-diagnosis framing. Negotiate on the basis of total diagnostic yield and surgical outcome, not just per-electrode cost. If Evo electrodes demonstrably reduce operative time (published as <2 min per electrode insertion), frame this as reducing total OR cost by $1,000–$3,000 per case—allowing you to accept slightly higher electrode cost.

4. Volume commitment with escape clause. Secure a 3-year agreement with committed minimums (e.g., 4 cases/year at X price) but negotiate a 6-month out clause if case volume drops due to referral loss or clinical trial requirements.

5. Multi-year prepayment for discount. Zimmer often offers 5–10% discounts for annual or multi-year prepayment. If your budget allows, lock in pricing to mitigate future increases.

6. GPO engagement. If your hospital is not currently using its GPO's neurosurgical contract portfolio, engage GPO directly to negotiate centralized Evo sEEG pricing. Most GPOs will push Zimmer for 25–30% discounts on the basis of system-wide adoption.

7. Robotic bundling negotiation. If your facility is considering ROSA One Brain investment, explicitly ask Zimmer to model total cost of ownership for robotic sEEG programs. Bundled pricing can yield material savings (10–20% on electrodes, 5–15% on robotic platform licensing).

When the price feels off — red flags

Pricing with no volume-discount tiers. If a Zimmer sales representative quotes the same per-case price regardless of case volume, they are not negotiating seriously. Push back and demand tiered models.

Exclusive-only bundling. If Zimmer conditions competitively low electrode pricing solely on exclusive ROSA One adoption or exclusive use of their neuromonitoring software, this locks you into an ecosystem with long-term cost implications. Negotiate unbundled pricing to preserve optionality.

No defined training scope. If training costs are quoted but scope is vague ("as needed"), you are exposed to open-ended charges. Require fixed training hours, defined number of surgeon credentialing cases, and a known per-overrun cost.

Significant price variation between nearby institutions. If two comparable 500-bed hospitals in the same city report widely different per-case costs, either one is underutilizing their negotiating position or has a unique contractual arrangement. Request a benchmarking conversation with your regional Zimmer account manager to understand the drivers.

No escalation clause. Multi-year contracts should include annual price escalation caps (e.g., +3% annually, capped at CPI or medical device inflation index). If Zimmer offers no escalation protection, you are exposed to open-ended increases post-signature.

Unavailable alternative-vendor pricing. The sEEG market is dominated by 4–5 manufacturers, and Zimmer's exclusive distribution of Evo gives them regional monopoly power in some areas. Before committing, ensure your institution has evaluated AdTech or PMT systems or has a documented clinical reason Evo is required (e.g., ROSA integration necessity).

Sources

NeuroOne Medical Technologies announced the commercial launch of the Evo sEEG electrode in the United States in October 2022 with FDA clearance for temporary (less than 30 days) use (Medical Design Briefs, August 2023; NeuroOne press release, October 2022).

The global Stereotactic EEG Electrode market was valued at USD 18.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 43.3 million by 2031, growing at 13.4% CAGR (Newstrail market analysis, October 2025).

In an early case series of five patients with Evo sEEG electrodes, the average total operation time was 92 minutes with an average of 16.8 electrodes, with estimated time per electrode insertion <2 minutes (Surgical Neurology International, December 2024; UC Irvine clinical case series).

FDA-approved SEEG electrode products include those from AdTech, PMT, DIXI, and NeuroOne/Zimmer Biomet (Surgical Neurology International, December 2024).

Note: This article will be updated as MedSource accumulates proprietary quote data from procurement officers and Zimmer Biomet account managers. Submit your quotes and negotiation insights to contribute to future editions.