Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Market Trends

Growth Drivers  

• Favorable government and reimbursement policies: Government spending mainly via Medicare is the critical determinant of market access. Reimbursement codes for CDT procedures in hospital outpatient departments influence the adoption rate directly. On the other hand, the specific annual spending on CDT devices is not related to public reports, its utilization is captured with broader diagnostic group payment for venous thrombectomy or thrombolysis. Stable or expanding reimbursement signals market stability and encourages hospital investment in the necessary equipment and training, making the procedure financially viable for healthcare providers and accessible to a larger patient pool.
• Clinical evidence showing better outcomes and cost-saving: Strong clinical evidence is a key driver, showing that CDT has better long-term vascular patency and reduces the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome compared with anticoagulation therapy. This forms a strong value proposition for payers. For example, research by NLM in February 2025 reports that the price of catheter-directed thrombolysis is USD 22,353. Although the initial cost is high, preventing its use for chronic conditions such as PTS in the short term is expensive, it saves a large amount in the long term through prevention of disability, rehospitalization, and the cost of continued care. This evidence is important to persuade healthcare systems to invest in CDT technology.
• Rising cases of venous thromboembolism: The increasing patient pool fuels the market. On the other hand, the demographic factors such as an aging population, obesity rates, and enhanced survival from cancer and invasive surgery are responsible for the growing incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). For instance, the CDC puts the number of deaths in the U.S. due to DVT/PE at 60,000 to 100,000 yearly. This increasing incidence directly increases the size of the addressable market for CDT since a segment of these advanced cases can only be treated with advanced interventional therapy beyond anticoagulation.

Global Prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Source: NLM February 2024

Challenge

• Patient affordability remains low in emerging markets: In emerging countries like India and some parts of Southeast Asia, the cost for catheter-directed thrombolysis is high, which is more than half the average annual income. As per the WHO report, the cost burdens result that only eligible patients being treated in low and middle-income countries. These limitations demand that manufacturers offer a low-cost alternative for the specific drugs. Some organizations, such as Terumo, are developing simple catheter kits to meet the affordability challenge.
• Complex and fragmented reimbursement pathways: Overcoming the reimbursement challenge is a major hurdle. In the U.S., CDT has separate payments for the device, the thrombolytic drug, and the procedure, also each with its own CMS code. Gaps in this procedure can create financial disincentives for hospitals to adopt the latest technology for enhanced results. For instance, if the DRG payment for a venous thrombectomy does not fully cover the cost of a premium-priced catheter, hospitals will be reluctant to stock it. Manufacturers must actively work with payers to establish new, appropriate codes that accurately reflect the total cost of care.