Surgical Sutures Market

Market Overview

The global surgical sutures market size was valued at USD 4,385 million in 2021, presumed to reach USD 6,937 million, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. 

Surgical procedures of any kind necessitate the use of a variety of tools and components. Typically, doctors must treat and heal wounds, especially following invasive surgery. The doctor closes the injury to prevent bleeding and infection, and the healing process often takes several days. This is accomplished with the aid of surgical equipment and methods, which are collectively known as surgical sutures. Surgical sutures are threads used to treat skin lacerations and close surgical incisions. In addition, these sterile threads are utilized to hold together the skin, internal organs, blood vessels, and other tissues during the healing process following surgery. Most individuals frequently misinterpret the terms suture and stitch. However, a suture is merely the name of the medical equipment used by the doctor to treat the wound, whereas stitching is simply the method by which the doctor closes the wound.

The market for surgical sutures is expanding due to the growth and emergence of the wound care management industry. In addition, an increase in population, an increase in healthcare expenditure, an alarming rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, a surge in the number of surgical procedures, technological advancements, healthcare awareness, and the number of hospitals all contribute to the expansion of the surgical sutures market. However, the growing desire for minimally invasive surgery and the availability of alternate wound care management products restrain the surgical sutures market growth.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

The Increased Geriatric Population and Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Increased Number of Surgical Procedures

The global geriatric population has expanded dramatically and is susceptible to various ailments, including ophthalmic, cardiovascular, stroke, cancer, diabetes, gastric, and intestinal conditions. For instance, cardiovascular disorders are the primary cause of death worldwide. According to the 2019 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report issued by the American Heart Association, each year in the United States, there are 840,678 deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. This number is projected to reach 749 million by 2035.

Similarly, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality, accounting for 11.1% of all fatalities globally. Consequently, the alarming increase in the incidence rate of chronic illnesses is anticipated to increase the demand for surgical treatments, thereby driving the global market for surgical sutures. Consequently, the increase in the senior population in both developed and developing nations, susceptible to chronic diseases, has contributed to the growth in surgical operations, boosting the global market for surgical sutures.

Increasing the number of surgical procedures is another major factor driving the global market for surgical sutures. Surgical sutures are increasingly utilized as the number of surgical procedures, particularly heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, dental restorations, and laparoscopic surgery, rises. The annual number of surgical procedures has increased to 234,2 million worldwide. Globally, the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to grow, increasing the demand for surgical operations. Thus, it is projected that an increase in the number of surgical procedures worldwide will boost the need for surgical sutures, consequently driving their market expansion.

Global Surgical Sutures Market Restraints

The Alternative Available for Wound Care Management Products

In recent years, advanced wound care solutions have gained traction. For the treatment of both acute and chronic, non-healing wounds, a broad array of dressing techniques and materials are available. Suture materials may induce inflammation or infection; these sutures must be removed, necessitating a return to the doctor's office. In hospitals, advanced wound care management supplies such as zippers, band grips, and staplers are readily accessible and serve as reasonable alternatives for wound closure. They are significantly more effective than sutures and reduce the risk of needle or sharps injuries. In addition, it provides superior cosmetic effects and less scarring than sutures. This reduces the demand for surgical sutures for surgical procedures, consequently reducing the global market's expansion.

Global Surgical Sutures Market Opportunities

High Potential in Emerging Markets

The expansion of the surgical suture market is anticipated to be driven by opportunities in untapped, emerging economies with significant potential due to enhanced healthcare infrastructure, unmet healthcare demands, and an increase in chronic diseases. In addition, the healthcare business in emerging economies is expanding at a rapid rate due to the growing demand for better healthcare services and the government's substantial investments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, the expanding popularity of medical tourism in emerging nations such as China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea pumps up the number of surgical procedures performed in the region. It provides lucrative growth opportunities for manufacturers of surgical sutures. Consequently, the increase in surgical operations in emerging nations would raise the demand for surgical sutures, creating the lucrative potential for market growth throughout the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global surgical sutures market is classified based on product type, material, application, and region.

By Product Type Analysis

Based on product type, the categories include automated suturing devices (ASDs) and sutures.

The sutures section is envisioned to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% and hold the largest market share. Surgical sutures are sterilized threads used to stitch wounds or injuries during surgery to expedite the healing process. They support the skin, other organs, blood vessels, and tissues. These sutures ought to be durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and flexible. The global increase in the number of surgical procedures drives the expansion of the surgical sutures market. The demand for bariatric operations, which require surgical sutures to close a small opening, is rising. In the past few years, the suture industry has witnessed numerous advances, such as antimicrobial-coated sutures that avoid infection at the surgical/wound site and sophisticated smart sutures that electronically update patients on their recovery.

The automated suturing devices section will hold the second-largest share. ASDs are used to enclose a surgical incision and wound. These apply to a range of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, open surgical procedures, and female urogenital surgeries. Raised demand for new technologies like minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures, which rely heavily on ASDs, has significantly increased the need for ASDs. These gadgets reduce the complexity and allow surgeons to suture safely and efficiently. Due to the advent of minimally invasive surgical procedures, the market for ASDs is loaded with opportunities.

By Material Analysis

Based on material, the categories are monofilament sutures and multifilament or braided sutures.

The multifilament section is envisioned to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% and hold the largest share. Multifilament sutures are braided sutures comprised of many material threads coated with various substances, including silicon and wax. They provoke an inflammatory response and require fewer knots to maintain the knot. They have more tensile strength, flexibility, and pliability than monofilament sutures. These are predominantly utilized in orthopedic procedures.

The monofilament section will hold the second-largest share. Monofilament sutures can be nonabsorbable or absorbable. Single threads of polypropylene, catgut, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), stainless steel, poliglecaprone, and polydioxanone compose these sutures. Less tissue reactivity is caused with monofilament sutures, and the thread can help better pass through the tissue. Nevertheless, monofilament sutures necessitate a more significant number of knots to ensure their correct maintenance.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the categories include cardiovascular, general, gynecological, orthopedic, and ophthalmic surgeries.

The cardiovascular section is envisioned to grow at a CAGR of 7% and hold the largest market share. Cardiovascular surgery includes heart transplantation surgery, which is undertaken to treat the difficulties of ischemic heart disease, valvar heart disease, or congenital heart disease. Surgical procedures involving the cardiovascular system are the most complex and high-risk, necessitating sutures of the highest quality and suitability. An increase in the number of patients with heart disorders leads to a rise in cardiovascular surgeries, boosting the use of surgical sutures.

The general section will hold the second-largest share. General operations concentrate primarily on abdominal organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile ducts. Due to the prevalence of general surgeries in the elderly population, the increase in the global elderly population is the primary driver of the segment. Generally speaking, absorbable sutures are the sutures of choice in various surgical operations.

Regional Analysis

The region-wise segmentation of the global surgical sutures market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America and Europe will dominate the regional market

North America will command the market with the largest share while growing at a CAGR of 5.3%. The expansion of the surgical sutures market in North America is propelled by the rising demand for sophisticated surgical techniques and products, like biocompatible surgical sutures with antimicrobial coatings. Because North America is recognized for its medical facilities and health services, the region is rapidly adopting technologically improved surgical sutures. The expansion of the regional market is also attributable to the aging of the baby boomer generation, the rise in demand for surgical procedures, and the increase in government spending on healthcare. In addition, significant healthcare research and development expenditures in the U.S. and Canada will likely drive market expansion throughout the projection period.

Europe will expand at a CAGR of 5.2% and hold USD 1,984 million. The expansion of the European surgical sutures market is fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the aging population. During the projection period, new opportunities are anticipated to arise due to ongoing research & development along with product releases in this market. Several medical device businesses that are pioneers in surgical sutures are located in Europe, which is globally renowned for its superior medical services and healthcare facilities. Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and B. Braun Melsungen AG are among the numerous enterprises in the region that deal with surgical sutures. In addition, the increase in demand for surgical sutures in new applications such as cardiovascular surgery, gynecological surgery, colorectal surgery, and urological surgery drives the surgical sutures market expansion.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, B. Braun Melsungen AG acquired Intermedt Medizin & Technik GmbH. 
• In 2022, Conmed Corporation acquired In2Bones Global, Inc., a global developer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical devices for diseases and injuries of the upper (hand, wrist, elbow) and lower (foot and ankle) limbs.

Surgical Sutures Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Automated Suturing Devices
  • Disposable Automated Suturing Devices
  • Re-Usable Automated Suturing Devices

• Sutures
  • Absorbable Sutures
  • Natural Sutures
  • Synthetic Sutures
  • Vicryl Sutures
  • Monocryl Sutures
  • Polydioxanone Sutures
  • Polyglycolic Sutures
  • Others

• Non-Absorbable Sutures
  • Nylon Sutures
  • Prolene Sutures
  • Stainless Steel Sutures
  • Others 

By Material

• Monofilament
• Multifilament

By Application

• Cardiovascular Surgeries
• General Surgeries
• Gynecological Surgeries
• Orthopedic Surgeries
• Ophthalmic Surgeries
• Other Surgeries

By Region

• North America 
• Asia Pacific 
• Europe
• LAMEA