Closed Suction System Market Overview
Global Closed Suction System Market size is estimated at USD 166.2 million in 2024, set to expand to USD 226.51 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.5%.
The global closed suction system market encompassed an estimated 154.2 million units in 2022, with forecasts targeting 194.1 million units by 2029 . In 2023 alone, closed suction catheter sales surpassed 153 million units, led by catheters sized Fr/Ch 12 and 14, which together represented roughly 70 percent of unit volume . Geographic distribution shows that Asia‑Pacific and North America combined accounted for approximately 70 percent of total shipments in 2022 .
Among manufacturers, Avanos held ~50 percent of the market share in 2022, followed by Smiths Medical at ~10 percent . Over 70 percent of product volumes are designed for 72‑hour application, indicating strong preference in ICU environments . Globally, over 112,000 ICU beds were reported across 5,222 U.S. hospitals in 2023, accounting for 12.2 percent of total staffed beds . The closed suction system is used primarily in mechanically ventilated patients to maintain continuous ventilation and reduce hypoxemia during airway clearance . Notably, closed suction catheters accounted for 73 percent of suction catheter units in 2023, dominating the broader suction catheter market
Key Findings
Top Driver: Rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and pneumonia has led to increasing adoption of closed suction systems in ICUs .
Top Country/Region: Asia‑Pacific and North America together accounted for approximately 70 percent of global closed suction system shipments in 2022 .
Top Segment: Closed suction catheter sizes Fr/Ch 12 and 14 collectively represented around 70 percent of unit volume in 2022
Closed Suction System Market Trends
Over 8.28 billion USD worth of closed suction systems were shipped globally in 2023, with electric pumps contributing approximately 4.8 billion USD, while manual pumps added around 3.5 billion USD . In terms of product type, “electric closed suction pumps” comprised roughly 58 percent of market volume in 2024, buoyed by increased utilization in operating rooms and ICUs . Material-wise, polypropylene components accounted for over 40 percent of units in 2023, while silicone-based suction catheters held approximately 25 percent, reflecting a growing preference for biocompatible tubing .
In 2023, hospital and clinic settings claimed nearly 65 percent of application volume, whereas ambulatory surgical centers surged past 10 percent, reflecting strong outpatient adoption . Home healthcare and nursing home usage combined for roughly 15 percent of global volume, up from 12 percent in 2021 . Regionally, North America maintained dominance with 50 percent of closed suction catheter units in 2023, followed by Europe (~20 percent), Asia‑Pacific (~18 percent), and the remainder split across Latin America and MEA (~12 percent) .
Disposable closed suction catheters reached approximately 1.2 billion units in 2024, with hospitals accounting for about 80 percent of these volumes . Y‑shaped designs led product types, capturing 45 percent of total disposable catheter volume . Meanwhile, the closed tracheal suction system segment alone totaled roughly 149.9 million USD in 2023 and is expected to reach 191.7 million USD by 2030 . Systems with Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi connectivity represented about 12 percent of new product launches in early 2024 .
Between 2020 and 2024, closed suction system sales grew from 160 million USD to 154.2 million USD in units shipped, with 70 percent of those being 72‑hour application models . Sizes Fr/Ch 12 and 14 constituted approximately 70 percent of all unit volumes during this timeframe . ICU utilization rose by 8 percent across 5,222 U.S. hospitals in 2023, driving increased closed suction adoption .
Innovation is a key trend: 25 percent of new systems incorporate automated suction control with real-time pressure sensors . Growth is also robust in Asia‑Pacific, which recorded a 15 percent annual increase in closed suction shipments between 2021 and 2023 . North American catheter units reached 50 percent of world volume in 2023, with ambulatory settings contributing to a 10.9 percent growth rate in catheter adoption from 2022 to 2030
Closed Suction System Market Dynamics
DRIVER
Rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases
Globally, over 300 million individuals suffer from asthma, and 251 million are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as of 2022 . In 2023, pneumonia hospitalizations exceeded 1.4 million cases in the United States alone . These high incidence rates are fueling increased mechanical ventilation usage—around 13 million ventilated patients per year worldwide . Closed suction systems are required for each intubation cycle; in ICUs, a single bed may require 4–6 suction cycles per day, totaling up to 2,190 uses annually per bed . This translates into demand for approximately 60 million closed suction units annually in North America and 50 million in Europe .
RESTRAINT
Strict regulatory standards and supply chain disruptions
Closed suction systems are categorized as Class II medical devices in many markets and must comply with FDA 510(k) clearance and CE marking, which require 1,000+ pages of technical documentation . In 2023, 14 significant recalls were issued for suction catheters due to packaging breaches and sterility failures . Additionally, semiconductor shortages between 2021–2023 impacted electronic closed suction system production by 20–25 percent, delaying more than 5 million pump units globally . These regulatory and supply chain factors collectively hampered market expansion.
OPPORTUNITY
Home-care ventilation and aging populations
Worldwide, the population aged 65 and above reached 741 million in 2023, with projections of 1 billion by 2030 . In the U.S., over 2.5 million individuals were on home ventilators in 2022, and home ventilator use grew by 15 percent year‑over‑year . Similarly, Europe recorded 1.8 million home ventilator users in 2023 . This increased demand in non-acute care settings drives opportunity for portable closed suction systems. Moreover, ambulatory surgical center procedures grew by 11 percent globally from 2022–2024, with 10 percent of those requiring suction systems in recovery rooms . These trends open new distribution channels in home healthcare and outpatient facilities.
CHALLENGE
High unit cost and healthcare budget constraints
Retail price per closed suction catheter ranges from USD 0.75 to USD 5.00 depending on features like Y‑design and antimicrobial coating . For ICU settings, monthly catheter expenditures per bed can reach USD 90 to USD 300, resulting in annual catheter costs per bed of USD 1,080 to USD 3,600 . In lower-middle-income countries, these costs consume 5–8 percent of hospital consumables budgets . Additionally, public hospitals face average device procurement delays of 6–9 months, with each delay increasing project costs by 8–12 percent . These factors pose challenges for broad adoption across all healthcare tiers.
Closed Suction System Market Segmentation
The closed suction system market is segmented by catheter size/type and by intended usage duration. Size-wise, units are typically classified in Fr/Ch categories—commonly 10, 12, 14, 16, and others—with the 12 and 14 Fr/Ch sizes together accounting for ~70% of total unit volume in 2022 . Application segmentation divides products into 24‑hour and 72‑hour use, with approximately 70% of systems designed for 72‑hour usage and the remaining 30% for 24‑hour use . These data reflect user preferences in ICU environments where longer-use protocols reduce catheter changes and potential contamination.
By Type
- PVC: PVC is a widely used material in closed suction catheters due to its durability and low unit cost. Industry data for 2023 shows PVC-based units representing roughly 40 percent of total catheter volume . PVC catheters are commonly available in 12, 14, 16 Fr sizes, catering to adult ICU patients. Their inherent stiffness supports secure tube navigation. However, PVC lacks the flexibility and biocompatibility of silicone. Nonetheless, PVC remains a dominant choice in emerging markets where cost per unit averages betweenUSD 75–1.50 .
- TPE: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) catheters combine PVC-like processability with enhanced flexibility. TPE accounted for approximately 30 percent of unit volume in 2023 . Sizes Fr/Ch 12 and 14 dominate, while smaller sizes support pediatric and neonatal applications. TPE offers improved tactile control and softer tip performance. Unit prices range fromUSD 20–2.50, reflecting the value-add. TPE’s moderate cost and performance make it the second most-used material globally.
- Others (Silicone, Polyurethane): “Other” catheter materials—silicone and polyurethane—comprise roughly 30 percent of total volume . Silicone catheters, especially in sizes 12 Fr and 14 Fr, represent about15 percent of all units, valued at USD 50–5.00 each . Polyurethane devices make up another 10–15 percent, offering high tensile strength and kink resistance. These materials are favored in high-income regions and advanced ICU settings, due to their biocompatibility and lower tissue reactivity.
By Application
- For 72‑Hour Use: Closed suction systems intended for 72-hour application dominate the market, accounting for approximately 70 percent of global unit volume in 2023 . This duration aligns with ICU protocols aiming to limit catheter changes, thereby reducing contamination risks. In a prevalence study, 72-hour polyurethane systems were used in 112,000 ICU beds across 5,222 U.S. hospitals . Demand for 72-hour units surged by 15 percent between 2021 and 2023 in Asia‑Pacific .
- For 24‑Hour Use: Catheters designed for 24-hour replacement accounted for about 30 percent of units in 2023 . These are commonly used in settings with stricter infection controls, such as surgical wards or neonatal ICUs. Clinical trials show that 24‑hour replacements led to a Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) incidence of 19 percent, versus 27 percent when replaced every 48‑72 hours . Their usage in Europe and North America remains high in specialized facilities.
Closed Suction System Market Regional Outlook
The closed suction system market performance varies significantly across regions, shaped by healthcare infrastructure, demographic trends, and regulatory environments. North America dominates with approximately 50‑50 percent of total closed suction catheter unit volume in 2023, driven by widespread ICU deployment and advanced respiratory disease protocols . Europe follows with about 20‑30 percent, where strict infection control and ICU density influence usage . Asia‑Pacific accounts for roughly 18‑20 percent, led by expanding hospital networks and rising ventilator volumes across 1.4 billion people . The Middle East & Africa (MEA) comprises around 10 percent, where adoption is concentrated in GCC countries and South Africa . Overall, this regional performance reflects varied healthcare spending and strategic emphasis on ICU and respiratory applications.
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North America
North America led the global market, holding approximately 50 percent of closed suction catheter units in 2023 . The U.S. market saw over 112,000 ICU beds in 5,222 hospitals, each averaging 4–6 suction cycles daily, resulting in an estimated 60 million catheter units annually . A recent report indicates the North American endotracheal and tracheal suction segment had a market size of USD 2.41 billion in 2024 and accounted for 35 percent of global device volume . Demand is fueled by a high incidence of COPD (approx. 251 million global cases) and strong infection control policies in ICU settings . Hospitals represent around 65 percent of total use in the region .
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Europe
Europe contributed close to 20‑30 percent of global closed suction catheter unit volume in 2023 . The region’s ICU density—averaging 8 beds per 100,000 population in Western Europe—supported an estimated 50 million catheter units annually . Closed suction catheters represent 73 percent of total suction catheter volumes in Europe in 2023 . Hospitals accounted for about 65.6 percent of usage . Stringent European Medical Device Regulation standards have led to 14 notable catheter recalls globally in 2023, affecting packaging and sterility .
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Asia‑Pacific
Asia‑Pacific accounted for approximately 18‑20 percent of the closed suction catheter market in 2023 . The region saw shipments grow by 15 percent from 2021–2023, driven by hospital expansion in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia . Disposable catheters dominate with 60 percent of new units in 2023 . Regional usage tracks ICU scale-up, with devices spanning both 24-hour and 72-hour protocols, though 72-hour systems hold a 70 percent share in these settings . Volume increases are amplified by rising respiratory disease prevalence and government healthcare investment initiatives.
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Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region comprised roughly 10 percent of the closed suction catheter market in 2023, with its share split between 5 percent in Latin America and 5 percent in MEA . In MEA, GCC countries and South Africa demonstrate the highest catheter usage density, supported by 470 ICU beds in GCC countries and approx. 20,000 in South Africa as of 2023 . Hospitals serve as the main channel for closed suction adoption, accounting for around 65 percent of regional usage, while ambulatory and home care contribute the remainder . Regulatory improvements and healthcare infrastructure upgrades continue to drive regional penetration.
List of Top Closed Suction System Market Companies
- Avanos
- ConvaTec
- Vyaire
- Smiths Medical
- SUMI
- R-Vent Medical
- Medline
- Delta Med
- Vitaltec Corporation
- Intersurgical
- PAHSCO- Pacific Hospital Supply Co. Ltd.
Top two companies with the highest market share
Avanos: Avanos is the largest manufacturer in the closed suction system market, capturing approximately 50 percent of global share in 2023 . Operating four principal medical-device facilities and employing over 2,200 people worldwide, Avanos specializes in respiratory health equipment, including closed suction systems with isolated cleaning chambers to reduce circuit contamination . On October 13, 2023, Avanos issued a Class II recall affecting 94,600 Ballard closed suction devices due to labeling and sterility concerns .
Smiths Medical: Smiths Medical holds roughly 10 percent of the global closed suction system market share . As part of Smiths Group plc, this division benefits from the parent company’s global engineering and medical-technology expertise. Smiths Group posted £3,132 million in revenue and £251 million in net income in 2024, reflecting strong financial support for continued innovation in closed suction devices
Investment Analysis and Opportunities
Investment opportunities in the closed suction system market are expanding as global healthcare needs intensify. In 2024, the broader medical suction devices market was valued at approximately USD 1.49 billion, with hospitals and clinics accounting for 62 percent of total utilization and home health setups contributing 31 percent . Within this, closed-system devices made up around 52 percent of units, reflecting a strong foundation for targeted investment .
Asia–Pacific and Latin America stand out as high-potential markets, with Asia–Pacific showing a 15 percent increase in shipments between 2021–2023 . Hospitals across India and China expanded their ICU capacity by 20 percent during this period, leading to closed suction adoption surges averaging 60 percent disposable unit share . This makes Asia–Pacific primed for investors looking to scale manufacturing and distribution operations.
Innovative product tech: Over 25 percent of new devices in 2024 feature automated suction control or real-time pressure sensors . Technologies like AI-driven monitoring and antimicrobial coatings, cited in 70 percent of R&D pipelines, are ripe for venture capital and partnership investments .
Regulatory-driven demand: Closed systems dominate with around 73 percent market share in suction catheters . With 14 recalls in 2023 for packaging or sterility issues , there's heavy demand for compliant, high-quality products, creating demand for manufacturers who can maintain stringent regulatory protocols.
Sustainability and cost reduction: A trend toward biodegradable or reusable components is apparent, with 20 percent of manufacturers investing in eco-friendly initiatives in 2024 . This aligns with waste-reduction goals, especially in Europe, where single-use disposal rates reached 60 percent of new units .
Infrastructure expansion: In the U.S., ICU beds totaled 112,000 across 5,222 hospitals in 2023 . Disposable catheters designed for 72-hour use represented 70 percent of those setups . Such widespread ICU infrastructure suggests steady demand for closed suction systems, making capacity expansion and recurring supply investments promising.
New Product Development
Innovation in closed suction system design has accelerated between 2023 and mid‑2025, with manufacturers introducing advanced features targeting safety, usability, and connectivity.
Launched in late 2023, the DAR™ system includes a rotating patient access valve and isolated rinsing chamber, enabling catheter cleaning without interrupting the ventilator circuit The product is available in five Fr/Ch sizes—10, 12, 14, 16—each sold in boxes of 10 units . Its neonatal-pediatric version features specialized adapters and kink‑resistant tubing designed for incubator use, improving suction reliability in vulnerable populations .
The Turbo model, rolled out mid‑2024, uses a turbulent cleaning chamber that retracts the catheter tip—removing 89 percent more contaminants than standard catheters . Available in 10, 12, 14, 16 Fr sizes, with optional MDI port, the Turbo leverages PVC construction and Wet Pack saline configurations .
Released in 2023, the CleanSweep design maintains in‑line placement for up to 72 hours, reducing the need for circuit breaks . The product offers in‑system saline flush capability and size-coded connectors to help clinicians quickly match tube diameters.
The A‑1000 device, available since late 2023, automates suction pressure regulation and limits catheter insertion depth. Pilot clinical data covering five ICU patients confirmed stable mucosal safety compared to manual systems . It includes integrated antibacterial disinfection, marking among the first fully automated, sensor-driven suction systems.
Five Recent Developments
- Cleaner catheter tips: Turbo system’s 89 percent contaminant reduction.
- Electronic features: A‑1000 integrates automated suction control and disinfection.
- Enhanced usability: Dar™ rotating valves, SuctionPro labels, swivel connectors aid clinicians.
- Neonatal focus: DAR™ neonatal models add kink‑resistance and incubator safety.
- Disposability trends: All systems adhere to 72‑hour single‑patient use protocols.
Report Coverage of Closed Suction System Market
R&D partnerships in antimicrobial and sensor-enhanced devices, which make up more than 25 percent of new-tech searches in the last 18 months . Manufacturing scale-up in Asia–Pacific, where unit shipments rose by 15 percent and hospitals are expanding ICU capacities by 20 percent .
Distribution models tailored to ambulatory and home-care channels, now accounting for 31–40 percent of total suction device use .Regulatory-compliant production, addressing the 14 recorded device recalls in 2023 , which will enhance trust and adoption rates.