South and Central America Catheters Market Outlook (2022-2033)

The catheters market in South and Central America is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating that the market size will reach approximately US$ 4,061.0 million by 2033, up from US$ 2,266.1 million in 2024. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2025 to 2033.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The South and Central America catheters market is witnessing significant expansion, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, a growing preference for minimally invasive procedures, and ongoing technological advancements. A notable factor contributing to this growth is the rapid demographic transition occurring in the region. Historically characterized by younger populations, South and Central America is experiencing a shift towards an older demographic. By 2030, it is projected that individuals aged 60 years and older will constitute 16.5% of the total population. This demographic shift is associated with a rise in age-related health conditions that necessitate catheterization, including various cardiovascular diseases, urological disorders, and other comorbidities linked to aging. Additionally, the escalating burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is significantly driving the demand for catheterization in the region.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The catheters market can be segmented based on product type, catheter type, coating type, lumen configuration, and end-user category.

1. By Product: The market is divided into several categories, including cardiovascular catheters, intravenous catheters, urological catheters, specialty catheters, and neurovascular catheters. In 2024, cardiovascular catheters emerged as the leading segment, largely due to the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) driven by changing dietary habits and urbanization.
2. By Type: The catheter market is further segmented into Foley catheters, intermittent catheters, IVUS catheters, balloon catheters, and others. The balloon catheter segment dominated the market in 2024, attributed to the increasing demand for less invasive alternatives to traditional surgical procedures, which are often more cost-effective and associated with shorter hospital stays.
3. By Coating Type: The market is categorized into coated and uncoated catheters, with coated catheters leading the market in 2024. The preference for coated catheters is driven by a heightened focus on patient safety and the need to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
4. By Lumen: The segmentation by lumen includes single-lumen and multi-lumen catheters, with multi-lumen catheters dominating the market in 2024. Their prevalence is due to their essential role in managing complex medical cases, particularly in resource-limited hospital settings.
5. By End User: The market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, home care settings, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic imaging centers, and others. Hospitals and clinics represented the largest share of the market in 2024, as they are the primary providers of specialized medical care and surgical interventions.

Market Outlook

The dynamics of the South and Central America catheters market are influenced by a push towards universal health coverage and an increasing emphasis on public health awareness campaigns. These initiatives are enhancing patient knowledge regarding available treatments for chronic conditions, thereby driving demand for diagnostic and interventional catheters. Furthermore, the region is experiencing a technological leap, with hospitals in major urban areas adopting advanced surgical techniques and instruments, which in turn creates a demand for sophisticated, high-value catheters. A significant trend is the growth of local manufacturing and technology transfer, as countries aim to reduce reliance on imported medical devices. Local companies are expected to innovate and provide cost-effective catheter solutions tailored to the regional market. The expansion of private insurance and health management organizations is also facilitating access to specialized procedures, contributing to the overall growth of the catheters market.

Country Insights

The South and Central America catheters market is segmented by country, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia. Brazil is the largest market, driven by its robust public and private healthcare systems that support a high volume of procedures. Mexico also represents a significant market due to its strong medical tourism sector and well-established private healthcare system catering to both domestic and international patients. Argentina, despite economic challenges, has a well-educated medical workforce and is witnessing a solid uptake of advanced catheter technologies. Meanwhile, Colombia and Chile are focusing on upgrading hospital infrastructure, leading to increased adoption of advanced medical equipment and a growing market for various catheters.

Company Profiles

Key players in the catheters market include Medtronic Plc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Becton, Dickinson and Co., Teleflex Incorporated, B. Braun SE, Abbott Laboratories, Terumo Corporation, Coloplast Group, Cook Medical, and Hollister Incorporated. These companies are employing strategies such as market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to maintain competitiveness and deliver innovative products to consumers. Show more