In 2008 the market for cath labs was an estimated Rs. 219 crore, with approximately 116 units sold in the market. Out of this, fixed cath labs accounted for major market share with 87 units sold in 2008, valued at Rs. 188 crore; whereas only 29 units of mobile cath labs were sold, valued at Rs. 31 crore.

Cardiac catheterization imaging systems are gaining prominence, as improved techniques of cardiovascular disorders complement cardiac interventions. With the increasing burden of vascular disease in India, the demand for cardiac healthcare and the need for affordability of minimally invasive diagnostic procedures are increasing.

Market Overview

The market for cath labs may broadly be segmented into: mobile cath labs and fixed cath labs. In 2008 the market for cath labs was an estimated Rs. 219 crore, with approximately 116 units sold in the market. Out of this, fixed cath labs accounted for major market share with 87 units sold in 2008, valued at Rs. 188 crore; whereas 29 units of mobile cath labs were installed, valued at Rs. 31 crore.

Major Players

The vendors of cath labs in India include: Allengers Medical Systems Ltd., GE Healthcare, Masters Medical, Philips Medical Systems, Shimadzu, Siemens, and Toshiba (Erbis).

In 2008, Philips Medical Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions, and GE Healthcare led the market with more than 80 percent market share. Philips Healthcare increased its presence in 2008 in the cath lab market through the Alpha X-ray acquisition. Allengers increased its already significant presence among the indigenous manufacturers' market segment.

Key Applications

The key application areas of cath labs include minimal invasive procedures, 3D imaging of heat in the cath lab for elecrophysiology, and advanced features in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for plaque characterization.

Market Trends

Although the contribution of fixed cath labs in the total market is much larger as compared to that of mobile cath labs, the significance of mobile cath labs is not any less than fixed cath labs as it can easily be wheeled into a sterile environment of the OT, which enables the cardiologist to carry procedures peacefully. With a price much lower than fixed cath labs, mobile labs have become preferred choice for cardiologists, who run their own dedicated set-ups. Fixed labs are the preference of bigger hospitals with heavy load of cardiac related procedures.

Now a days better imaging capabilities, which are less user dependent, and dose saving features are available in cath labs. The market for cath labs is shifting from standard IITV detection and camera to flat panel detectors. The emerging trends and technologies in cath labs market are the specialized cardiac centers coming up in smaller towns. The new technologies coming up in this sector are the hybrid or cath labs for minimal invasive procedures, 3D imaging for electrophysiology procedures, and needle guidance procedures.

The market for cath labs is seeing increase in growth pertaining to expansion into class B cities by corporate hospitals, increased awareness of cardiac diseases point of care concept, setting up of new super-specialty hospital cardiac centers, and increase in number of government projects.

A trend of continued investment in cardiovascular services by hospitals has been observed over the year as it is found to be a very profitable segment of the hospital.

The Indian market for cath labs has been growing significantly over the last few years. Increasing demand from government hospitals, corporate healthcare providers, and private enterprises (who offer state-of-the-art facilities) throughout the country, coupled with easy availability of highly skilled professional in the field of cardio and vascular care are the growth drivers in this market. With medical tourism gaining strength and people getting more aware of cardiac diseases, the cath lab market is expected to grow continuously.

Stent placement remains the bread and butter of the cath lab along with diagnostic imaging/angiography that supports those procedures. The key growth areas are cardiologists who are treating peripheral (artery disease) in addition to coronary.

Advancements can be seen in the shift toward hybrid cath/suites in which the less invasive catheter procedures can be accomplished.