Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are serious and potentially life-threatening infections that can occur when bacteria travel down intravenous catheters and enter the bloodstream. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring catheter use has led to an increase in CRBSIs. As a result, the global CRBSIs market size is expected to reach US$ 3 billion by 2030, up from US$ 1.8 billion in 2023, representing a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.

The CRBSI market growth is driven by advancements in technology such as antimicrobial catheters and ultrasound-guided insertion. Catheter securement devices account for the largest market share due to their high adoption rates for preventing catheter dislodgement and microbial colonization along the catheter surface. For example, in March 2022, 3M launched a new central line catheter securement device called Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing to help prevent CRBSIs. Companies are focused on developing innovative securement approaches to curb these dangerous infections in patients requiring intravenous catheters.

Epidemiology Insights:

• In the US, CRBSIs affect around 250,000 patients annually. The incidence ranges from 1.2 to 5.2 per 1000 catheter days.
• In Europe, the mean incidence density is 1.5 CRBSIs per 1000 catheter days. The highest incidence is seen in intensive care units.
• Japan has a CRBSI incidence of 2.5 - 4.6 episodes per 1000 catheter days. The incidence is higher in larger hospitals.
• With increasing incidence of chronic diseases like kidney failure and diabetes, the susceptible patient pool is expanding driving market growth.
• CRBSIs have emerged as one of the most common healthcare-associated infections worldwide. This presents vast growth potential.

Market Landscape:

• There is an unmet need for technologies that provide real-time monitoring of catheters to enable early detection of CRBSIs.
• Currently used treatments include antibiotic therapies like vancomycin and carbapenem. Catheter removal is also done.
• Upcoming technologies include antimicrobial-coated catheters, catheter maintenance devices, ultrasound-guided insertion, and automated catheter flushing.
• Advanced catheter materials with anti-thrombogenic properties are breakthrough innovations that can prevent biofilm formation and thrombus development.
• The CRBSI market has a mix of major multi-national companies like Becton Dickinson, 3M, B.Braun, etc. as well as several small and mid-sized companies.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Drivers:

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Requiring Catheterization

The rising prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, kidney disorders, etc. that require catheterization for various purposes is a key factor propelling the growth of the CRBSI market. Chronic diseases are on the rise globally, driven by aging demographics, unhealthy lifestyles, and improved diagnosis. For instance, the prevalence of diabetes stood at about 537 million adults in 2021 and is expected to rise further. Such patients often require catheters for fluid administration, drainage, dialysis, etc. This expands the patient pool and demand for catheters, in turn driving the CRBSI market as more catheters translate to higher infection risk. The demand for advanced and antimicrobial catheters is also rising to curb this risk.

Technological Advancements in Catheter Design and Materials

Significant advances in medical technologies like novel catheter materials, coatings, and designs that lower the potential for infections are boosting the CRBSI market growth. Companies are developing anti-infective catheters using antibiotics, antiseptics like CHG, silver ions, etc. Advanced biomaterials like noble metals, carbohydrate polymers, etc. prevent microbial adhesion. New technologies also enable real-time catheter monitoring to enable timely intervention. Further, the integration of nanotechnology and coatings that inhibit biofilm formation also curb infection risks. Such innovations are fueling the CRBSI market.

Introduction of Guidelines and Policies for Infection Control

The implementation of stringent guidelines by healthcare regulators regarding catheter insertion protocols and maintenance procedures to minimize hospital-acquired infections is favoring the CRBSI market growth. For instance, the CDC has introduced guidelines advocating proper hand-hygiene, maximum sterile barrier precautions, cleaning catheter hubs/ports before access,etc. Further, policies for CRBSI surveillance, education programs for healthcare workers, and health-facility initiatives to promote adherence to evidence-based prevention practices also aid the market growth.

Rising Healthcare Expenditure and Infrastructure Improvements

Increased healthcare spending on enhancing hospital infrastructure and infection control is projected to propel the CRBSI industry. Many countries are increasing their healthcare budgets and improving access to healthcare services. Further, hospitals are upgrading facilities with advanced equipment, implementing electronic medical record systems, and adopting technologies like sensor-based smart IV systems and robot-assisted systems to minimize human errors in catheter handling. This is creating a favorable environment for the CRBSI market.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Opportunities:

Scope in Developing Economies

Developing nations present significant opportunities for expansion for CRBSI market players owing to the large underpenetrated patient population and improving healthcare facilities. Growing medical tourism and FDI into emerging economies like India, China, Brazil, etc. is also favoring market growth. Further, rising disposable incomes, advancing health infrastructure, and increasing healthcare awareness are spurring the adoption of advanced catheter infection control products in these regions. Market players can focus on portfolio expansion, partnerships, and training programs to tap the potential.

Home Healthcare Settings

The rise of home healthcare presents an opportunity for CRBSI industry players to expand their portfolio into homecare medical devices for infection prevention. The growing geriatric population and prevalence of chronic illnesses is increasing the use of infusion pumps, dialysis catheters, etc. in home settings. Players can focus on developing easy-to-use secured catheter dressings and maintenance products for home use. Telehealth also opens avenues for remote monitoring and patient education. Developing affordable products as per home healthcare needs can widen consumer base.

Big Data and AI

The adoption of big data, machine learning, IoT, and AI to develop smart catheter systems and predict infection risks offers significant opportunities for growth. Real-time data from sensors can help identify initial symptoms of CRBSI. AI-powered software can analyze clinical data to accurately predict patients at high risk and enable timely intervention. Big data analytics can also aid in tracking catheter performance. Companies can leverage these technologies for product innovation and tap their potential to curb CRBSIs.

Growing Patient Safety Awareness

The increasing focus on patient safety and infection control in healthcare is generating opportunities for CRBSI solutions. Patient advocacy groups, NGOs and governments are undertaking awareness campaigns to promote safe catheterization practices. Further, the trend of value-based healthcare and hospital reforms linking reimbursements to safety metrics also compels adoption of CRBSI prevention technologies like antimicrobial/antithrombotic catheters and real-time monitoring devices. Industry players can collaborate with hospitals to improve staff training on best practices.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Trends:

Technological Integration for Enhanced Catheter Patency

A major trend is the integration of technologies like nanotechnology, drug delivery coatings, and sensors into catheter design to lower thrombus formation and maintain patency while also minimizing infections. Advancements like use of noble metals with antimicrobial and antithrombogenic properties, catheter surface modifications, active drug release coatings, and sensors for tracking vital parameters are gaining prominence. Real-time tracking improves care and lowers CRBSI risk. Companies are increasing R&D on such multi-functional catheters.

Shift Towards Advanced Biocompatible Materials

The shift towards developing antimicrobial catheters using biocompatible materials rather than chemicals is rising. Materials like silicone, thermoplastic polyurethanes exhibit high biocompatibility and lower thrombogenicity compared to PVC. Metals like silver, zinc oxide nanoparticles blended into polymers prevent microbial buildup without toxicity. Carbon nanomaterials also inhibit biofilm progression. Further, materials like phosphorylcholine mimicking cell membranes reduce protein absorption. The biocompatibility and durability of such advanced biomaterials counter infections better.

Active Efforts to Develop Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions

With rising antimicrobial resistance, there is increasing R&D focus on alternative antimicrobial approaches including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, nitric oxide coatings, molecular interactions, nanotechnology, etc. that can prevent and treat CRBSIs without contributing to resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are being adopted in hospitals. Regulatory guidelines also recommend minimizing routine catheter replacement and obtaining cultures to determine appropriate antimicrobial use. These efforts help curb multidrug-resistant CRBSIs.

Shift to Single-use Pre-treated Catheters

A shift towards single-use sterile pre-treated catheters and accessories that have antiseptic coatings is being witnessed. These include pre-coated CHG/silver coated catheters, pre-attached catheter securement devices, etc. that lower the need for separate skin preparations and reduce steps, minimizing risks. Pre-coated offerings provide sustained release of antimicrobials. Disposable designs also eliminate sterilization errors. Further, integrated pre-packed catheter kits are also gaining adoption for convenience and speed.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Restraints:

High Costs and Reimbursement Challenges

Premium pricing of technologically advanced catheters and accessories for infection prevention like antimicrobial coatings and real-time tracking devices poses affordability challenges. This restricts uptake making cost-effectiveness a major concern. Many hospitals, especially in developing economies, continue using conventional products. Additionally, lack of favorable reimbursement policies for newer technologies also hinders market prospects. Players need to introduce cost-competitive solutions.

Concerns Regarding Coating Durability Issues

Concerns regarding the stability and durability of catheter coatings during the product lifecycle are a key factor hampering adoption. Leaching of coatings like CHG reduces efficacy over time requiring reapplication. Further, friction and blood flow also often erodes such coatings. This can increase infection risks. R&D efforts are hence focused on developing ultra-durable coatings and binding techniques to mitigate such risks and fuel growth.

Complications and Adverse Effects

Catheter usage can be associated with numerous complications like thrombosis, embolism, bleeding, pneumothorax, etc. Certain coatings may also increase thrombosis risks. Further, chemicals like CHG in high concentrations can cause skin irritation and discoloration. Nanoparticle toxicity is another concern. Such complications and adverse risks associated with catheters limit adoption among prescribers and negatively impact the market outlook. Players are developing biomaterial-based offerings to improve safety profiles.

Recent Developments:

Product launches:

• In Feb 2022, Becton Dickinson received FDA approval for its novel ChloraPrep protector containing 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and 70% isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting catheter insertion sites to lower infection risk. This launch strengthened BD's portfolio for CRBSI prevention.
• In March 2021, ICU Medical launched the Tego needlefree connector with Curos disinfecting port protector caps. This new connector helps reduce bacterial transfer and catheter colonization.
• In August 2020, 3M launched the Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing designed to protect against catheter colonization and dislodgement. It combines CHG gel and a highly breathable securement dressing.

Merger/Acquisition:

• In January 2022, BD acquired Tepha Inc., a medical technology company focused on developing resorbable polymer technology for various applications including vascular grafts to strengthen its capabilities in the vascular intervention space.
• In July 2021, 3M acquired ZeoSkin, a medical adhesive company providing solutions to prevent pressure ulcers and catheter dislodgement to expand its ostomy product portfolio.
• In December 2019, ICU Medical acquired Pursuit Vascular for USD 100 Mn to enhance its portfolio of innovative devices including the ClariVein infusion catheter system for thrombolysis procedure.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Regional Insights:

CRBSIs are a serious concern across all geographies owing to rising incidence.

North America is expected to dominate the global Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) market during the forecast period, accounting for over 38% of the market share in 2023. The large share of North America can be attributed to the high incidence of CRBSIs, established healthcare infrastructure, and presence of key players in the region.

The Europe market is anticipated to be the second largest market for Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs), making up over 27% of the global market in 2023. Market growth in Europe is driven by factors such as the rising geriatric population, increase in chronic disorders, and presence of stringent guidelines for infection control and prevention.

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific market is forecast to be the fastest-growing region for Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) globally, with a CAGR of over 8% during the forecast period. Rapid growth in Asia Pacific is attributed to improving healthcare expenditure, growing awareness, and an increasing patient pool requiring intravascular catheters. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is also expected to propel the CRBSIs market in the region.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market Segmentation:

By Product Type

• Central Venous Catheters
• Peripheral Venous Catheters
• Urinary Catheters
• Arterial Catheters
• Chest Drainage Tubes
• Others (Epidural, Hemodialysis)

By End-User

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Dialysis Centers
• Others (Homecare, Research)

By Material

• PVC
• Teflon
• Polyurethane
• Silicon
• Others (Rubber, metal alloy)

By Coating Type

• Antimicrobial Coated
• Hydrophilic Coated
• Drug Coated
• Others (Antithrombogenic, Surface Treated)

By Securement

• Sutures
• Anchoring Devices
• Adhesive Anchor Devices
• Others (Surgical Tape, Staples)

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Top companies in the Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) Market:

• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• 3M
• Teleflex Incorporated
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Baxter International Inc.
• ICU Medical, Inc.
• Merit Medical Systems
• Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
• Argon Medical Devices, Inc.
• Utah Medical Products, Inc.