Pediatric Catheters Market to Hit USD 12.6 Billion by 2032, Growing at 8.1% CAGR

Overview

New York, NY – June 18, 2025: The Pediatric Catheters Market is projected to reach approximately USD 12.6 billion by 2032, rising from USD 5.9 billion in 2022. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% between 2023 and 2032. A key driver is the increasing number of pediatric procedures such as cardiac, urological, and gastrointestinal surgeries. In the United States alone, there are over 450,000 pediatric surgical admissions each year. Around 60% of these procedures are outpatient, and many require the use of urinary or intravenous catheters. This shift is supported by greater access to healthcare and the adoption of minimally invasive techniques.

Infection control is also shaping the pediatric catheter market. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for more than 30% of hospital-acquired infections in children. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are another concern, with nearly 20% of central venous access device (CVAD) insertions experiencing complications. This leads to an overall complication rate of 43% in pediatric settings. Hospitals and regulatory bodies are tightening standards to improve outcomes. These include using ultrasound guidance, maintaining sterile technique, and ensuring accurate catheter tip positioning.

Government support through updated reimbursement policies is boosting the use of pediatric catheter devices. In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised its ESRD Prospective Payment System in 2024–2025. These changes increased reimbursement for pediatric dialysis catheters and supplies. At the same time, the FDA enforces strict safety and performance regulations. Such support is encouraging healthcare providers to adopt innovative catheter systems tailored for pediatric use.

The rise in chronic diseases among children is another major growth factor. Conditions like cancer, renal failure, and congenital heart defects often require long-term catheter support. Central venous catheters, including peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), are used for chemotherapy, dialysis, and nutritional therapy. Pediatric patients often undergo multiple device insertions. This has led to increased demand for reliable, child-specific catheter solutions and the expansion of catheter portfolios by manufacturers.

Technological advances are improving catheter safety and performance. Pediatric catheters now offer flow rates 18–164% higher than adult devices of similar gauge. Weight- and age-based sizing formulas help ensure precise placement. Innovations such as impregnated catheter coatings and advanced tip-positioning tools are being tested to reduce infection rates. Awareness campaigns by organizations like the CDC and AAP promote safe usage, insertion techniques, and timely catheter removal. These combined efforts are supporting the continued growth of the pediatric catheter market.

Key Takeaways

• The pediatric catheters market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1%, reaching USD 12.6 billion by 2032 from USD 5.9 billion in 2022.
• Growing cases of congenital heart defects and neurological disorders are increasing the demand for pediatric catheterization procedures across healthcare systems worldwide.
• Rising global incidence of urological diseases, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs), is driving the widespread use of pediatric catheters.
• High procedural costs and limited reimbursement frameworks may restrict market access, especially in low-income settings with fewer trained professionals.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheters dominate with 52.2% market share, favored for their flexibility and compatibility with pediatric anatomy.
• Cardiovascular catheters lead the product category with 41.1% share, largely due to their role in treating pediatric congenital heart conditions.
• Hospitals and clinics account for 32.5% of market share, attributed to their use of intravascular ultrasound systems and specialized pediatric care facilities.
• Market expansion is supported by increased R&D, awareness initiatives, and the integration of advanced catheter management software in clinical settings.
• Adoption of innovative catheter design and manufacturing technologies is accelerating globally, improving patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.
• North America holds the largest market share at 32.5%, followed by Europe, while Asia-Pacific shows strong growth due to rising healthcare investments.

Regional Analysis

North America led the global pediatric catheters market, holding 32.5% of the revenue share in 2022. This dominance can be attributed to several factors. The region has a well-established healthcare infrastructure and high awareness among healthcare providers. A major growth driver is the rising incidence of hospital-acquired infections. These infections increase the use of advanced catheter systems for pediatric care. Furthermore, strong regulatory frameworks and consistent adoption of new medical technologies contribute to the steady market expansion across the United States and Canada.

Europe is projected to hold the second-largest revenue share in the pediatric catheters market during the forecast period. The region benefits from favorable reimbursement policies, which support the use of pediatric catheters. An increase in the number of inpatient hospital procedures is observed, particularly for chronic conditions in children. These trends enhance demand for catheter-based interventions. Strong government support for pediatric healthcare, alongside efficient distribution networks, ensures consistent availability of catheter products in countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness strong growth in the pediatric catheters market during the coming years. A major driver is the rising number of congenital heart defects and other pediatric anomalies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These health issues increase the demand for advanced pediatric catheterization. In addition, government-led public health initiatives and growing awareness of pediatric care are expanding market access. Medical tourism and the rising affordability of treatment also support market penetration, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asian nations.

Another key factor driving growth in the Asia-Pacific region is the increased healthcare spending by both public and private sectors. Countries in this region are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, leading to improved hospital capabilities and access to specialized pediatric treatments. As more families seek early diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures, the need for pediatric catheter products continues to rise. Regional collaborations and the expansion of local manufacturing are expected to support long-term revenue growth throughout the Asia-Pacific pediatric healthcare market.

Segmentation Analysis

The global pediatric catheters market by type includes polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyurethane, and others. In 2022, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheters accounted for 52.2% of the total market share. This growth is driven by their smoother and more flexible design. PVC catheters help reduce irritation, especially in pediatric patients who experience discomfort with other materials. In contrast, polyurethane catheters held the second-largest share. These are favored for their biocompatibility, durability, and resistance to kinking, making them ideal for various pediatric catheterization procedures.

By product, the cardiovascular segment dominated the pediatric catheters market with a 41.1% share in 2022. This growth is linked to the rising number of congenital heart defects, a major cause of mortality in children. Cardiovascular catheters are essential for interventional cardiology and offer wide procedural applications. Meanwhile, the urology segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate. Rising cases of pediatric kidney, bladder, and urinary tract infections are key drivers. Catheters for urology are thin, hollow tubes inserted via the urethra to drain urine safely.

Based on end-users, hospitals and clinics accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022. This dominance is due to the growing use of advanced diagnostic systems, such as intravascular ultrasound, within clinical settings. Hospitals provide a wide range of care services for pediatric patients needing catheterization. These include both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The ambulatory surgical centers segment is projected to expand steadily, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is supported by shorter hospital stays and a rising preference for outpatient pediatric procedures involving catheters.

By Type

• Polyvinyl Chloride
• Silicone Catheter
• Polyurethane Catheter
• Other Types

By Product

• Cardiovascular
• Urology
• Neurovascular
• Specialty
• Other Products

By End-User

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Other End-Users

Emerging Trends

• Enhanced Securement to Reduce IV Failures: New securement devices for IV catheters in children are showing promising results. A recent clinical study found that these devices lowered failure rates compared to traditional methods. This improvement helps ensure better treatment delivery and reduces the need for repeat insertions. It also increases comfort for young patients. Catheter failures are a major concern in pediatric care due to fragile veins and frequent movement. These new devices offer added stability and reduce complications like dislodgment. As hospitals look to improve pediatric outcomes, securement innovations will likely become standard in pediatric care units.
• Focus on Infection Monitoring and Prevention: Hospitals are now focusing more on preventing catheter-related infections in children. Quality programs have helped reduce cases of CAUTIs and CLABSIs in inpatient settings. However, infection rates remain high in outpatient and ambulatory care. Catheters are a known risk for introducing bacteria into the body, especially with long-term use. Efforts such as regular monitoring, improved hand hygiene, and proper insertion techniques are helping. Still, more attention is needed in home and community healthcare environments. Preventing infections not only reduces hospital stays but also improves long-term pediatric health outcomes.
• Home-Based Catheter Use and Safety Risks: Using urinary catheters at home poses clear health risks for children. A recent study reported that 18% of children using catheters at home developed CAUTIs. Out of these, 45% needed hospital admission, staying an average of three days. These infections often result from improper handling or lack of caregiver training. The risks underline the need for better education and support for families managing catheter care at home. Preventive measures, such as using sterile supplies and frequent monitoring, are vital. This trend shows a growing need for home-based pediatric care protocols and infection control.
• Novel Antimicrobial Design via AI Optimization: AI is now helping improve catheter safety. Lab studies show that catheters designed with AI-optimized surfaces can reduce bacterial growth by 10 to 100 times. These special surfaces prevent bacteria from sticking and forming biofilms. The use of AI allows rapid testing of many design options, improving accuracy and speed. This could lead to catheters that are much safer and last longer. The goal is to lower infection rates without relying heavily on antibiotics. If clinical trials confirm the lab results, these catheters could become a major advancement in infection prevention for pediatric patients.
• MRI-Compatible Catheters for Pediatric Cardiac Use: Researchers have developed MRI-compatible catheters using polymeric fibers. These catheters allow doctors to see the device clearly during procedures without using harmful radiation. This is especially useful in treating congenital heart defects in children. The new catheters can be tracked in real-time, helping doctors guide them safely through the heart. They also improve visibility of soft tissues, which is difficult with traditional tools. This innovation supports safer, more precise care for young cardiac patients. It also aligns with long-term goals of reducing radiation exposure in pediatric procedures.
• Robotic-Assisted Catheter Navigation in Electrophysiology: Robotics is transforming catheter use in pediatric electrophysiology. Automated systems now help guide catheters with extreme accuracy. In preclinical studies, robotic-controlled catheters achieved a positioning accuracy of about 0.7 mm. This level of precision reduces the chance of complications and improves procedural success. It also lessens the need for repeated manual adjustments during surgery. The technology holds promise for treating heart rhythm disorders in children. By improving control, robotic systems could make catheter-based procedures safer, shorter, and more effective. Future use in clinical settings may soon become widespread as technology advances.

Use Cases

• Urinary Drainage (Urology): Pediatric catheters are commonly used in children with urinary retention or neurogenic bladder. Foley and intermittent catheters help manage urine flow in outpatient and hospital settings. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) occur in 18% of catheterized days in children. This equals about 0.51 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. Indwelling catheters have nearly three times the infection risk compared to clean intermittent catheterization. Around 50% of CAUTI cases in children require hospital stays. These admissions typically last about three days. The high infection rate and hospitalization needs make urinary catheter use a critical point for infection control and healthcare resource planning.
• Intravenous Therapy (Peripheral & Central Lines): Pediatric catheters are vital for intravenous (IV) therapy. Peripheral IV lines are often used for short-term drug delivery. In children, these lines are typically replaced every 1 to 4 days. New securement techniques help lower the risk of phlebitis and catheter failure. For longer-term care, central lines like peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or central venous access devices (CVADs) are used. About 3% of CVADs become infected. Infection rates stand at 0.18 per 1,000 device-days. Mechanical complications are also common. Recent improvements in placement strategies have shown better outcomes and fewer complications in clinical pediatric care settings.
• Cardiovascular Interventions & Imaging: Cardiac catheterization is a standard approach in managing congenital heart defects in children. It is widely used for diagnostic purposes and interventional procedures, such as septal closure. MRI-compatible catheters have reduced the need for radiation exposure. This is beneficial in pediatric imaging where long-term risks are higher. Emerging robotic catheter systems offer tip positioning precision of approximately 0.7 mm, as seen in animal trials. These systems improve procedural control and reduce reliance on manual expertise. The use of advanced imaging and robotic guidance in pediatric cardiac care is helping achieve more accurate, less invasive interventions.
• Infection Risk Context (PICU & NICU): Catheter-related infections are a major concern in pediatric critical care units. In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), infection rates reach 13.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. In Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), CAUTI rates are around 7.2 per 1,000 catheter-days. The overall device-related infection rate in pediatric care is about 4.6 per 1,000 catheter-days. Longer catheter use and extended hospital stays increase the infection risk. Premature infants and critically ill children are especially vulnerable. Infection control protocols and device management strategies are essential. These efforts help lower complications and improve patient outcomes in pediatric intensive care settings.

Conclusion

The pediatric catheters market is growing steadily due to rising healthcare needs among children. Increased use of catheters in surgeries, chronic disease management, and diagnostics is driving demand worldwide. Hospitals are adopting better technologies to reduce infections and improve safety. New materials and designs are making catheters more effective and easier to use in children. Supportive government policies and rising awareness are also helping market growth. Innovations such as AI-based coatings, robotic systems, and MRI-compatible devices are shaping the future. As healthcare systems focus more on pediatric care, the need for safe, reliable, and efficient catheter solutions will continue to rise across both developed and developing regions.

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