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Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters Market

The market for Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters was estimated at $529 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $770 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $1.12 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1801070
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
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Life Science
Medical Device
Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters
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Table of Contents

Global Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$529M

Forecast, 2035

$1.12B

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

7.8%

The Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters (OCT Catheters) industry revenue is expected to be around $528.8 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 7.8% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Currently the integration of intravascular optical coherence tomography catheters is playing a significant role in the advancement of cardiology as cardiologists use imaging provided by these devices to make better decisions. The CAD assessment and PCI guidance sectors combined make up 65.8% of the overall market for cardiac imaging. This growth can be attributed to the increasing global incidence of coronary artery disease. Additionally, hospitals are focusing on the imaging required for percutaneous coronary intervention. This imaging allows them to reduce complications and readmissions by means of stent optimisation. The catheters that utilise FD OCT technology accounted for revenue of around $336.83 million in 2025. Market dominance is maintained by FD OCT technology within the Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters sector due to its strong clinical background and compatibility with cath lab workflow. It is also employed increasingly for complex lesions in conjunction with plaque evaluation.

Currently these instruments allow clinicians to obtain a precise microscopic view of the coronary arteries using an intravascular device. They enable stent deployment to be assessed and healing of the blood vessel to be evaluated. The high speed function of FD OCT pullback, coupled with improved axial resolution, along with compatibility with current angiography systems, and the easy to use nature of imaging workstations, make OCT catheters essential tools for both cardiology and specialty cardiac hospital centre applications, specifically in the assessment of coronary artery disease and PCI. Optical coherence tomography catheters are used in several region's of cardiology, which include pre procedure assessments of blockages, in procedure adjustments to stents, post procedure checks on stents, and research into why some plaques are more susceptible to blockage than others. Techniques are being improved through smaller catheter sizes, improved ability to insert them into curved arteries and combination with other imaging procedures. Additionally, AI is being used to interpret images obtained from OCT Catheters to increase their benefit.

Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters market is projected to grow from $528.8 million in 2025 to $1.12 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 7.8%, reflecting rising demand across CAD Assessment, PCI Guidance, and Stent Deployment Optimization.

  • The competitive landscape of this industry is influenced by key firms including NeoPhotonics Corporation, Imalux Corporation and Thorlabs Inc.

  • The US and Germany are among the top markets for optical coherence tomography catheters and are forecast to experience a growth rate of 5.1 to 7.5% per annum between 2025 and 2030.

  • Markets in developing countries, such as South Africa, India and Brazil, will witness a growth rate of between 9 and 11 per cent annually.

  • Technological advancements in OCT catheters will contribute $56 million to the growth of the optical coherence tomography catheter market by 2030.

  • Over the forthcoming years the Optical Coherence Tomography catheters market will witness a substantial increase in revenue, predicted to be around $592 million by 2035. Those creating Optical Coherence Tomography catheters are aiming for the sector to make use of PCI guidance and optimise stent deployment.

  • The market for optical coherence tomography catheters will grow by 112% between 2025 and 2035, due to the rise in optical coherence technology and the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

optical coherence tomography catheters market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters

With the swift growth of Chinas use of interventional cardiology treatments for the heart, an emerging market is there for OCT Catheters, used for precise monitoring and assessment of valves. Current interventional centres often rely exclusively on echocardiography and also on fluoroscopy, hence leaving the field open for the SS OCT and FD OCT catheters for use in positioning of devices, evaluation of paravalvular leaks and also monitoring of the integration of the tissue. In the emerging market of China, where healthcare spending is prioritising heart conditions, mixed technology OCT catheters used in heart interventions are expected to grow the most.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

In North America OCT catheters have been mainly driven by OCT guided percutaneous coronary intervention. This has led to two main applications. These are the improvement of intravascular imaging quality and the optimisation of stent deployment and the guidance of PCI. This is mainly done in complex coronary interventions. Key region's for growth are in expanding use beyond university medical centers into community hospitals, integrating the technology with the digital equipment found in cath labs, and positioning these more expensive catheters as the standard procedure for patients with left main coronary artery disease, complex bypass jobs, or other high risk heart procedures. As the interventional cardiology devices market becomes more saturated, the companies currently leading in this field are finding it increasingly difficult to stand out from the competition. Companies differentiate their products through improvements in image resolution, the speed at which they can pull back images, how easily they integrate with other equipment and clinical data, and the support given to clinical staff. This is now becoming more important than price. The key drivers in these regions are the high incidence of coronary artery disease, the large number of procedures carried out for percutaneous coronary intervention and the availability of health insurance to pay for the more expensive equipment.
Across Asia Pacific, OCT catheters may be used most extensively in CAD assessment and PCI. In several Asian countries, the number of cath labs is growing rapidly. These are employing imaging techniques inside the heart in order to improve the quality of operations while keeping costs down. Pharmaceutical companies can also capitalise on opportunities such as tiered product offerings. These would allow them to offer high quality products to leading hospitals and more affordable options for public institutions. They could also provide their services in different locations, train doctors and form partnerships with other distributors. This would help to increase the use of PCI procedures that use OCT. The market for vascular X ray systems is characterised by competitive dynamics, where both established brands and regional manufacturers are competing with one another. There is a notable upward pressure on prices and a substantial demand for systems that are easily integrated with existing angiography equipment and devices used in interventional cardiology. The factors driving this market include a growing incidence of heart conditions, the implementation of new government policies regarding healthcare, the increased adoption of minimally invasive surgical procedures, and a shift in focus towards the imaging technologies used in the treatment of heart disease.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Growing Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease and Rising Preference for High‑Resolution Intravascular Imaging

The rising prevalence of coronary artery disease globally is also a primary driver for optical coherence tomography catheters. Aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing rates of metabolic disorders have also expanded the patient base requiring precise coronary diagnostics. As CAD cases surge, interventional cardiologists seek tools that provide more detailed views of vessel morphology than traditional angiography. At the same time, there is also a growing preference for high‑resolution intravascular imaging in clinical practice. OCT catheters use near‑infrared light to generate ultra‑high resolution images of the coronary lumen and plaque structure, enabling clinicians to distinguish lesion characteristics, measure lumen dimensions, and identify vulnerable plaques with clarity. This superior imaging capability enhances decision‑making during percutaneous coronary interventions by allowing precise assessment of lesion severity and stent placement requirements. The combination of rising CAD incidence and strong demand for detailed imaging is also expanding the adoption of OCT catheters in advanced cardiac centers and integrated cath lab workflows, strengthening market growth.
A key driver in the OCT catheter market is also ongoing technological innovation that enhances imaging quality and procedural efficiency. Recent advancements include faster pullback speeds, improved signal processing, and software that integrates OCT data with angiographic images for co‑registration. These upgrades reduce procedure time, improve accuracy in measuring vessel dimensions, and support complex lesion assessment. Enhanced user interfaces and compatibility with existing catheterization lab systems improve clinician adoption by simplifying workflows and enabling seamless data interpretation. As OCT platforms evolve with better resolution, automation, and multimodal imaging capabilities, they become more valuable in guiding PCI, optimizing stent deployment, and expanding clinical utility. This technological trend also drives purchasing decisions among hospitals and cardiac centers seeking precision tools that enhance procedural outcomes.
02

Restraint: High Costs of OCT Systems and Procedures Limit Adoption in Budget‑Constrained Settings

A key restraint for optical coherence tomography catheters is the high cost of OCT imaging systems and procedural expenses, which can deter adoption in emerging markets and smaller hospitals. OCT requires premium imaging consoles and disposable catheters, increasing per‑procedure costs compared with standard angiography. Limited reimbursement for OCT‑guided interventions further reduces financial incentives, leading some facilities to restrict OCT use to complex cases only, which slows revenue growth and constrains broader market uptake.
03

Opportunity: Growing adoption of intravascular OCT-guided coronary interventions in tertiary cardiology centers worldwide and Untapped potential for Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters in neurovascular interventions at advanced European stroke centers

Currently optical coherence tomography catheters are used in conjunction with other intravascular imaging techniques in the conduct of complex coronary interventions. However penetration of this technique into busy intervention centres is at present moderate. In particular, institutions which are improving coronary imaging systems are looking to incorporate frequency domain OCT catheters in order to increase the accuracy of diagnosis in coronary artery disease, where a stent is required. To date, the industry has generated a revenue of approximately $336.83 million in the year 2025. It is predicted that this figure will reach $465.84 million by the year 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. In the catheter based cardiology imaging sector, the largest revenue expansion will be seen in the FD OCT coronary applications.
While there is growing recognition in European neurointerventional radiology and neurosurgery departments of the benefit of optical coherence tomography catheters for very high resolution imaging of the blood vessel walls, this kind of use is still in its infancy clinically. Current studies on aneurysm repair and stroke treatment indicate that OCT equipped catheters can enhance surgeons view of micro structural changes in blood vessels which arent visible by other imaging techniques, allowing for safer placement of medical devices. By 2030, the European OCT business is expected to grow to $303.94 m at a CAGR of 9.63% from $191.95 m in 2025. In the European region, the growth of the OCT market will be driven by neurovascular interventions.
04

Challenge: Limited Awareness and Technical Training Needs Restrict Wider Clinical Utilization

Another significant challenge is the lack of widespread clinician training and procedural familiarity, which limits OCT utilization. Many interventionalists continue to rely on established modalities like angiography due to comfort and workflow simplicity. OCT interpretation requires specific expertise, and gaps in training increase procedural time and uncertainty, especially in non‑specialized centers. This restraint depresses demand in community hospitals and restricts market expansion beyond high‑volume cardiovascular centers.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Photonics Components

NeoPhotonics CorporationThorlabs Inc
2

Optical-Coherence-Tomography Catheters

Imalux CorporationAbbott Laboratories
3

OCT Imaging Systems

Abbott LaboratoriesAgfa Healthcare
4

Clinical OCT Applications

Cardiology HospitalsOphthalmology ClinicsClinical Research Centers
Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters in CAD Assessment & Stent Deployment Optimization

CAD Assessment : In coronary artery disease CAD assessment, OCT catheters are used to obtain ultra‑high resolution intravascular images that detail plaque characteristics, fibrous cap thickness, and lumen dimensions. OCT’s light‑based imaging offers unparalleled clarity compared with traditional angiography, helping cardiologists distinguish plaque types and identify vulnerable lesions. OCT is widely adopted in advanced cath labs by interventional cardiologists seeking precise evaluation of coronary anatomy. Leading players such as Abbott’s ILUMIEN™ OPTIS™ System and Terumo’s Lunawave™ OCT Catheter deliver robust imaging platforms that support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning within PCI workflows. Their strong clinical evidence and integration with existing catheterization systems reinforce their market strength in CAD evaluation.
PCI Guidance : During percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), OCT catheters guide wire placement, lesion preparation, and device selection with detailed cross‑sectional visualization of the artery. The high resolution of OCT enables clinicians to assess lesion severity, calcification, and vessel sizing in real time, improving procedural precision and reducing complications. OCT imaging is particularly useful in complex lesions and bifurcations where detailed anatomical insight is critical. Major medical device companies like Abbott and Boston Scientific support PCI guidance with comprehensive OCT‑enabled platforms, fostering adoption through robust imaging quality, user‑friendly interfaces, and strong clinical support.
Stent Deployment Optimization : In stent deployment optimization, OCT catheters are employed to confirm adequate expansion, apposition, and coverage of a stent after placement. Their ability to visualize microstructural details ensures that stents are properly sized and fully expanded, minimizing risks of restenosis and thrombosis. This precise feedback loop allows clinicians to make immediate adjustments when necessary. Industry leaders including Abbott’s OCT systems and Terumo’s OCT products provide superior imaging resolution and workflow integration, driving preference among interventional cardiologists focused on optimizing long‑term patient outcomes.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in optical coherence tomography catheters emphasize enhanced imaging resolution, AI‑assisted visualization, and integration with multimodal interventional platforms. A key market trend is the shift toward precision intravascular imaging that improves plaque characterization and stent optimization during PCI and CAD assessment. Leading device makers are advancing software co‑registration with angiography and faster pullback speeds to support real‑time decision making. These innovations boost clinician confidence, expand OCT adoption, and differentiate product portfolios in competitive cardiovascular imaging markets.

October 2023 : Abbott Laboratories launched its Ultreon 1.0 vascular imaging platform in India, integrating OCT with AI tools to help clinicians differentiate lesion types and optimize stent deployment.
October 2024 : Gentuity LLC’s HF‑OCT imaging system with the Vis‑Rx micro‑imaging catheter received FDA 510(k) clearance for coronary intervention imaging before and after PCI.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters Market

As a core segment of the Medical Device industry, the Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Technological Advancements in OCT Catheters and Adoption of Minimally Invasive Procedures have redefined priorities across the Medical Device sector, influencing how the Optical Coherence Tomography Catheters market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Technological Advancements in OCT Catheters

The use of high precision and data driven imaging in OCT Catheters will see an expansion in the OCT catheter industry with an estimated additional market value of $56 million by 2030. improvements in miniature optics and computerised image processing have led to the production of high resolution imaging which can uncover smaller blockages in the coronary arteries and other abnormalities in the micro circulation that conventional cardiac tests may be unable-to detect. This has led to increased confidence in diagnosis and to more people becoming eligible for treatment. The development of new technology is moving procedures from using intravascular imaging without a guide to intravascular imaging with a guide. This development also supports higher revenues for medical procedures. With healthcare professionals increasingly turning to real time 3D imaging and minimally invasive procedures, technology becomes a vital factor in differentiating businesses selling OCT Catheters, and so aids their long term growth and profitability.
02

Adoption of Minimally Invasive Procedures

The adoption of minimally invasive procedures has significantly accelerated the use of optical coherence tomography catheters in cardiovascular and interventional medicine. By providing ultra‑high resolution images of the vessel lumen and plaque morphology, OCT enables clinicians to make precise decisions without extensive surgical exposure, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time. This transition impacts associated industries such as interventional cardiology, stent manufacturing, and catheter-based imaging systems, as hospitals increasingly invest in integrated OCT platforms for PCI guidance and stent optimization. For example, the enhanced imaging capability has driven higher adoption of drug-eluting stents and adjunctive devices, while also encouraging manufacturers like Abbott and Terumo to innovate OCT solutions that seamlessly integrate with catheterization lab workflows, improving procedural efficiency and expanding market penetration across minimally invasive interventions.