European Surgical Sutures Market Outlook To 2030

European Surgical Sutures Market Overview

• The European surgical sutures market was valued at USD 1.15 billion. The market's growth is primarily driven by the increasing number of surgeries performed across the region, especially in Germany, France, and the UK. Advancements in surgical technologies, increasing focus on better post-surgical outcomes, and the growing elderly population have spurred demand for more reliable and effective suturing materials.
• The Europe surgical sutures market is dominated by company including Johnson & Johnson, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Medtronic plc, Smith & Nephew, and Ethicon Inc. These companies hold significant market share due to their extensive product portfolios, strong distribution networks, and ongoing research and development efforts.
• In 2023, B. Braun Melsungen AG launched a new line of antimicrobial sutures designed to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. These sutures are coated with antimicrobial agents and are expected to be used in over 1 million surgeries across Europe in 2024. The product launch is part of the companys strategy to cater to the growing demand for safer surgical tools. Germany dominated the surgical sutures market in Europe. This dominance is due to Germany's advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and the large number of surgeries performed annually. The presence of key manufacturing players in the country, coupled with a growing elderly population, has also contributed to its market leadership

European Surgical Sutures Market Segmentation

The Europe surgical sutures market is segmented into various factors such as product type, application and region etc.

By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures. Absorbable sutures held a dominant market share due to their increasing adoption in a variety of surgeries, ranging from orthopedics to gynecology. The preference for absorbable sutures is driven by their ability to naturally dissolve in the body, reducing the need for follow-up surgery to remove sutures.

By Application: The market is segmented by application into general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and gynecological surgery. General surgery held the highest market share, primarily due to the large volume of surgeries performed in this category. These include appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder surgeries, which frequently require suturing. The dominance of this sub-segment is further driven by the increasing number of outpatient procedures, which rely on absorbable sutures for quicker recovery.

By Region: The market is segmented into Germany, France, UK, Sweden, Italy and rest of europe. Germany holds the dominant share of 30% in the Europe surgical sutures market due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and significant number of surgical procedures performed annually. The presence of major medical device manufacturers in the country further strengthens its leadership position.

European Surgical Sutures Market Competitive Landscape

• Johnson & Johnson's Expansion in Europe: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine announced a projected investment of 580 million euros over the next five years in Italy, of which 125 million euros will support an increase in production capacity and build capabilities for the future at its Latina site, which will enable a production capacity increase of more than 25%, as it includes projects to support pipeline products and new production technologies.
• OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System: Ethicon is working on the OTTAVA system, designed to enhance the surgical experience by integrating robotic technology into operating rooms. This system aims to simplify workflows and improve flexibility during surgeries, addressing the need for adaptable solutions in various surgical environments. The FDA submission for this system is anticipated in the second half of 2024 to initiate clinical trials.

European Surgical Sutures Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increase in Surgical Procedures Across Europe: The number of surgical procedures performed across Europe is expected to exceed 10 million, driven primarily by an aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Countries such as Germany and France are experiencing a significant rise in hospital admissions due to age-related surgeries.
• Healthcare Expenditure Growth: Healthcare spending in Europe has continued to rise in 2024, with Germany allocating huge investments to its healthcare system. France, another key player in the European market in the healthcare for the year. These increasing investments are driving growth in the surgical sutures market as more hospitals and healthcare facilities upgrade their equipment and stockpile essential medical supplies, including sutures.
• Rise in Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) are becoming increasingly common across Europe, with 5 million procedures performed annually, a number expected to grow by an additional 500,000 surgeries by the end of 2024. These surgeries require advanced suturing techniques and materials, such as absorbable sutures that are specifically designed to cater to smaller incisions.

Challenges

• Skilled Labor Shortage: A shortage of skilled surgeons in Europe is creating challenges in the adoption of advanced surgical techniques, including the use of more sophisticated suturing materials. In 2024, the number of practicing surgeons in Europe dropped with many nearing retirement age, the adoption of innovative suture techniques is being delayed in many healthcare settings due to a lack of trained professionals.
• Post-Operative Complications: Despite advancements in suture materials, post-operative complications such as infections and wound dehiscence remain a challenge in the surgical sutures market. Data from 2024 indicates that 1 in every 10 surgical patients in Europe experiences some form of post-operative complication, many of which are linked to the use of traditional sutures. This challenge underscores the need for further innovation in antimicrobial and biocompatible suture technologies.

Government Initiatives

1. EU4Health Programme: The European Commission adopted the EU4Health 2024 Work Programme with a budget of 752.4 million to address important health-related issues across the EU. This includes strengthening the EU's resilience to cross-border health threats and supporting the development of novel antivirals through the European Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
2. Horizon Europe: Under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programme, key areas of intervention include tools, technologies and digital solutions for health and care. The aim is to find new ways to keep people healthy, prevent diseases, develop better diagnostics and more effective therapies

European Surgical Sutures Market Future Outlook

The European surgical sutures market is projected to grow exponentially, driven by the continued adoption of advanced suturing techniques, increasing surgeries among the aging population, and greater emphasis on outpatient surgeries. The development of new biocompatible materials is also expected to accelerate the shift toward absorbable sutures, expanding the market further.

Future Trends

• Expansion of Robotic-Assisted Suturing: The use of robotic-assisted suturing is expected to increase dramatically in European hospitals, with increasing adoption of robotic-assisted surgeries expected annually by that time. Hospitals in countries such as Germany and France are leading the adoption of robotic surgery technologies, driven by the need for precision and the ability to minimize human error in complex procedures.
• Increased Focus on Biodegradable Materials: The demand for biodegradable sutures is projected to rise by 2029, as European healthcare systems aim to reduce medical waste. Governments in the region are expected to introduce regulations mandating the use of biodegradable sutures in public hospitals, with biodegradable sutures being used annually. This shift is supported by initiatives aimed at improving environmental sustainability in healthcare.