by What are Microcatheter Industry?
Microcatheters are thin, hollow, and flexible catheter tubes ranging from 1 to 3 French in diameter (1 French equals approximately 0.33 mm in diameter) used in the non-surgical treatment of vascular diseases and during interventional radiology procedures. Microcatheters are designed to deliver therapeutic agents such as liquids, powders, or implants directly to a specific treatment site. Microcatheters allow the delivery of pharmacological agents in a localized manner and mitigate systemic side effects.
Types of Microcatheter Industry
Delivery Microcatheters- Delivery Global Microcatheter are used for delivery of therapeutic agents to the target site during treatment procedures. Agents delivered include liquids, powders, coils, stents. Delivery microcatheters have a delivery port at the distal end.
Aspiration Microcatheters- Aspiration microcatheters are used to aspirate or remove thrombus, debris or implanted agents from target sites during procedures. They have a closed end and slits or side-holes at the distal tip to aspirate material.
Diagnostic Microcatheters- Diagnostic microcatheters are used to deliver contrast media to target vessels to obtain images of the vascular system using fluoroscopy, CT, or MRI. They have an open-ended design to facilitate contrast injection.
Steerable Microcatheters- Steerable microcatheters have an internal stylet or separate shaft for manipulation that allows controlled deflection or steering of the catheter tip. This facilitates navigation through tortuous vessels to access target sites.
Global Microcatheter Market Drivers
Rising Incidence of Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Diseases – Key factors driving the demand for microcatheters include rise in aging population and related increase in incidence of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cerebral aneurysms that are routinely treated using interventional techniques requiring microcatheters.
Growth of Interventional Radiology – Advancements in interventional radiology have expanded treatment options for various clinical indications from cancer to peripheral vascular diseases. It has increased the demand for microcatheters as a key tool for minimally invasive procedures.
Technological Innovations – Ongoing innovations leading to development of microcatheters with enhanced steerability, distal tip design, magnetic control mechanism and compatibility with various imaging modalities like CT/MRI have expanded clinical applications and use.
Favorable Reimbursement and Regulatory Environment – Reimbursements for interventional radiology procedures in developed markets and supportive regulatory approvals for new microcatheter technologies are encouraging adoption.
Rising Healthcare Expenditure in Emerging Economies – Emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America are witnessing increased healthcare spending capabilities and demand for quality care including interventional procedures. This acts as an important growth driver for the market.
Global Microcatheter Market Trends
Miniaturization of Catheters – Ongoing R&D aimed at miniaturization and development of even smaller diameter catheters <1 French is a key trend. It enables treatment of very small and tortuous vessels improving clinical outcomes.
Coated and Specialty Catheters – Use of surface coatings to impart properties like torqueability, radiopacity and lubricity along with development of specialty microcatheters for neuro and peripheral interventions is gaining prominence.
Magnetic-tipped Microcatheters – Magnetic-tipped microcatheters are an emerging technology that uses magnetic force to steer the catheter precisely to target sites using an external magnet. This improves navigation efficiency.
Integration with Advanced Imaging – Integration of microcatheters with advanced imaging capabilities such as OCT, IVUS is a trend to enable real time visualization and guidance during procedures improving safety and efficacy.
Global Microcatheter Market Outlook
The global microcatheters market size is projected to reach a value of over USD 1.5 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of approximately 7% during 2017-2022. Key factors influencing large market size include growing disease burden, rising adoption of minimally invasive procedures and technological advancements leading to development of specialized microcatheters.
The neurovascular segment holds the largest market share currently and is expected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period. North America represents the largest regional market share followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. However, Asia Pacific region is poised to witness highest growth owing to fast developing healthcare infrastructure and rising medical tourism in the region. Overall, the outlook for the global microcatheter market remains positive.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
