The global vascular stents market, valued at US$10.7 billion in 2023, grew to US$11.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2029, reaching US$15.6 billion by 2029. This growth trajectory reflects a rising global incidence of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, and continual technological advancements in stent materials and design.
As healthcare systems worldwide move toward faster recovery times, reduced hospitalization, and improved long-term patient outcomes, vascular stents have become a cornerstone in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and endovascular aortic aneurysms. At the same time, emerging innovations such as bioresorbable vascular scaffolds and next-generation alloy-based stents are accelerating market opportunities.
Key Market Drivers: Cardiovascular Burden, Technology Advancements, and Minimally Invasive Trends
- Rising Global Prevalence of Vascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The increasing burden of:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Endovascular aortic aneurysms
has been a primary catalyst for the demand for vascular stents. Lifestyle shifts, aging populations, diabetes, obesity, and smoking continue to fuel disease incidence, increasing the need for angioplasty and stenting procedures.
- Growing Adoption of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive angioplasty offers:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced recovery time
- Fewer complications
- Lower procedural cost
These benefits have significantly increased patient preference and physician adoption. As stent technology becomes more sophisticated—delivering higher precision and reduced restenosis rates—the shift toward minimally invasive cardiovascular care continues to accelerate.
- Technological Advancements in Stent Design
Manufacturers are continually investing in:
- Ultra-thin metallic stents
- High-radial-strength alloys
- Drug-eluting stent innovations
- Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS)
The development of bioresorbable stents is particularly promising, offering temporary vessel support before dissolving naturally, reducing long-term complications associated with permanent implants.
However, market expansion is partially offset by challenges such as the availability of alternative open surgical procedures, declining stent prices, and regulatory concerns linked to product recalls.
Market Restraints: Cost Pressure, Safety Concerns, and Open Surgical Alternatives
Although demand continues to rise, several factors restrain growth:
- Availability of open surgical options such as bypass surgery for complex CAD cases
- Declining average selling price (ASP) of stents due to cost containment policies
- Complications related to stenting such as thrombosis, restenosis, and device malfunctions
- Increasing number of product recalls, impacting brand credibility and regulatory scrutiny
Despite these challenges, emerging markets offer strong growth potential, particularly with rising healthcare investments, improving cardiovascular treatment infrastructure, and growing awareness in developing regions.
Segmentation Insights: Balloon-Expandable Stents Lead by Mode of Delivery
Balloon-Expandable Stents: Fastest-Growing Segment in 2023
By mode of delivery, the market is segmented into:
- Balloon-expandable stents
- Self-expanding stents
In 2023, balloon-expandable stents emerged as the fastest-growing segment, primarily due to:
- High accuracy in deployment
- Strong radial force
- Reduced elastic recoil
- Suitability for calcified lesions
These stents are particularly favored in:
- Coronary interventions
- Renal artery stenting
Their controlled expansion minimizes risks such as vessel overexpansion or arterial injury. As coronary artery disease cases continue to rise globally, demand for balloon-expandable stents is increasing at a rapid pace.
Material Insights: Cobalt Chromium Stents Drive Rapid Growth
Cobalt Chromium (CoCr): Fastest-Growing Material Segment
By material, the vascular stents market is categorized into:
- Metallic stents
- Cobalt Chromium (CoCr)
- Platinum Chromium
- Nickel Titanium
- Stainless Steel
- Polymer stents
Among these, Cobalt Chromium (CoCr) stents experienced the fastest growth in 2023 due to superior characteristics:
- Exceptional radiopacity
- High radial strength
- Enhanced biocompatibility
- Ability to create thin-strut stents without compromising durability
CoCr stents:
- Reduce the risk of thrombosis and restenosis
- Maintain X-ray visibility during and after PCI
- Exhibit lower elastic recoil compared to stainless steel
Their performance advantages have positioned CoCr as the preferred material for modern balloon-expandable stents.
End-User Insights: Hospitals Remain the Largest and Fastest-Growing Segment
The vascular stents market is segmented by end user into:
- Hospitals
- Cardiac centers
In 2023, hospitals accounted for the largest share, driven by:
- Increasing hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases
- Growing number of angioplasty and stenting procedures
- Availability of advanced catheterization labs
- Higher volume of emergency interventions
For example, in the US, 6.4% of emergency department visits in 2021 involved patients with coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, or previous myocardial infarction (CDC). Hospitals remain the primary hubs for stent-related procedures, contributing to the segment’s significant market share.
Regional Insights: North America Maintains Market Leadership
The global vascular stents market is divided into:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
North America dominated the market in 2023, attributed to:
- High prevalence of cardiovascular diseases
- Advanced healthcare infrastructure
- Strong adoption of minimally invasive cardiology techniques
- Availability of leading manufacturers and advanced stent technologies
In 2022, heart disease caused 702,880 deaths in the US, representing 1 in 5 fatalities (CDC). This substantial disease burden reinforces the region’s leadership position.
Europe remains a strong secondary market, while Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region due to expanding patient population, improved diagnostic capabilities, and growing healthcare investments in countries such as China and India.
Competitive Landscape: Leading Global Innovators
Key players shaping the market include:
- Medtronic Plc (Ireland)
- Abbott Laboratories (US)
- Boston Scientific Corporation (US)
- B Braun SE (Germany)
- Terumo Corporation (Japan)
- Biotronik SE & Co. KG (Germany)
- MicroPort Medical (China)
- Meril Life Sciences (India)
- Sahajanand Medical Technologies (India)
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (US)
- W.L. Gore & Associates (US)
- Cordis Corporation (US)
- Stryker Corporation (US)
- LifeTech Scientific (China)
- Elixir Medical (US)
- Endologix LLC (US)
- Cook Medical (US)
- iVascular (Spain)
- OrbusNeich (China)
- Alvimedica (Turkey)
These companies continue to focus on R&D investments, strategic partnerships, next-generation stent technologies, and expansion in emerging markets to strengthen their competitive positions.
Conclusion: Innovation and Disease Burden Will Shape the Next Phase of Market Growth
The vascular stents market is entering a pivotal phase driven by technological advancements, demand for minimally invasive procedures, and rising cardiovascular disease prevalence. While issues such as product recalls and price pressures remain, growing adoption of advanced materials like cobalt chromium and the emergence of bioresorbable stents present significant opportunities. With North America leading and Asia Pacific showing accelerated growth, the market is set for continuous expansion over the next five years.