Surgical Sutures Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The surgical sutures market size stands at USD 5.43 billion in 2025 and is on track to reach USD 7.07 billion by 2030, advancing at a 5.42% CAGR. Rising global surgical volumes, the growing footprint of ambulatory surgical centers and rapid uptake of knotless barbed sutures are reinforcing demand across specialties. Product innovation is shifting toward synthetic absorbable materials with embedded antimicrobials, while Healthcare 4.0 initiatives are integrating digital supply-chain tracking to head off shortages and recall risks. Robot-assisted procedures, now commonplace in high-income countries, are pushing manufacturers to tailor constructions that secure tissue under minimal tactile feedback. Asia-Pacific is accelerating fastest, yet North America remains the single-largest revenue pool thanks to sustained reimbursement support for advanced wound-closure devices.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, absorbable sutures held 60.46% of the surgical sutures market size in 2024 and are also the fastest-growing product category, advancing at a 5.67% CAGR through 2030.
- By construction, multifilament sutures accounted for 59.38% of the surgical sutures market share in 2024, while barbed sutures are projected to grow the quickest at a 7.23% CAGR to 2030.
- By application, general surgery contributed 26.79% of sales in 2024; cardiovascular surgery is set to record the highest growth at a 5.81% CAGR over the forecast period.
- By distribution channel, direct tender and GPO purchases represented 44.51% of 2024 revenue, whereas online channels are poised for the fastest expansion at a 6.54% CAGR through 2030.
- By coating, uncoated sutures commanded 65.02% share in 2024, yet coated variants are expected to outpace all others with a 6.09% CAGR.
- By end-user, hospitals captured 61.82% of demand in 2024, while ambulatory surgical centers are projected to post a 6.15% CAGR, the highest among end-users.
- By geography, North America led with 42.53% share in 2024, and Asia-Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region, expanding at a 6.19% CAGR to 2030.
Global Surgical Sutures Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Surging global surgical volumes | +1.2% | North America, Europe | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Expansion of healthcare facilities in EMs | +1.0% | Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Rise of robot-assisted surgery | +0.9% | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Synthetic absorbable material advances | +0.8% | Global, led by North America & Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Demand for antimicrobial/drug-eluting sutures | +0.7% | Global | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Favorable reimbursement pathways | +0.6% | North America, Europe | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Surging global surgical volumes driven by ageing and chronic-disease burden
Medicare beneficiaries underwent 3.4 million outpatient surgeries in 2024[1]Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, “Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy – Chapter 10,” Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, medpac.gov, a 5.7% year-over-year rise that mirrors a wider uptick across advanced economies. Population ageing and rising cardiovascular and oncological case loads are shifting many interventions from last resort to first-line treatment. Sutures for cardiovascular surgery alone is forecast to expand at 5.81% CAGR, requiring sutures that withstand pulsatile stress without compromising hemostasis. Capacity buildouts in emerging Asia are broadening access, channeling additional procedures into the surgical sutures market.
Rise of robot-assisted surgery requiring specialized barbed sutures
Barbed sutures record 7.23% CAGR because their self-anchoring design mitigates knot-tying in robotic environments where tactile feedback is limited. Clinical evaluations of Johnson & Johnson’s STRATAFIX line found measurable operating-room time savings alongside reduced blood loss. Continued FDA clearances for microsurgical robotic systems[2]U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “DEN230032 Executive Summary,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fda.gov are widening the addressable field, encouraging suppliers to engineer finer gauges and bidirectional barb geometries that anchor tissue evenly.
Rapid material-science advances enabling stronger synthetic absorbable sutures
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) fibers[3]Atsuhiko Murayama, “A highly elastic absorbable monofilament suture fabricated from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate),” Scientific Reports, nature.com offer superior elasticity and predictable degradation, addressing historical concerns over tensile uncertainty in absorbables. Manufacturers are pairing electrospun architectures with drug reservoirs that elute anti-inflammatories over defined intervals, supporting faster epithelialization and lower infection risk. These developments underpin premium pricing within the 60.46% revenue held by absorbable formats.
Demand for antimicrobial and drug-eluting sutures amid SSI-reduction mandates
Ethicon’s triclosan-coated range has proven to cut deep-incisional SSI incidences and save USD 809 per patient versus standard sutures, a figure reinforcing procurement shifts toward coated products. Silver-nanoparticle coatings and antibiotic-loaded fibers are extending the paradigm, harmonizing with hospital quality metrics that tie reimbursements to infection-free discharges.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Growing use of staplers, sealants & MIS techniques | -0.8% | North America, Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
ESG-driven shortages of catgut/silk & specialty polymers | -0.5% | Asia-Pacific, Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Recalls & stricter quality-system audits | -0.4% | North America, Europe | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Needle-stick infection & workplace-safety concerns | -0.3% | Global | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Growing use of staplers, sealants and MIS techniques reducing suture counts
Stapling platforms now incorporate textured jaws that grip delicate tissue and finish closures in seconds, chipping away at traditional suture volumes. Elastic sealants suitable for meniscus and lung incisions are likewise cutting the number of passes required per closure, particularly in minimally invasive surgery where trocar ports limit needle maneuverability.
Needle-stick infection and workplace-safety concerns
Regulators have stepped up surveillance of sharps injuries, urging facilities to adopt safety-engineered needles and closed disposal systems. Extra handling precautions and device costs erode price competitiveness for conventional sutures, nudging some providers toward alternative closure methods or pre-loaded cartridge systems.
Segment Analysis
By Product Type: Absorbable Sutures Drive Innovation
Absorbable formats generated 60.46% of surgical sutures market size in 2024, advancing at 5.67% CAGR as hospitals seek products that dissolve post-healing and spare patients follow-up removal. The synthetic sub-segment, led by polyglactin and polydioxanone, benefits from uniform absorption profiles[4]Hye-Ree Han, “Antibiotic Action, Drug Delivery, Biodegradability, and Wound Regeneration Characteristics of Surgical Sutures and Cutting-Edge Surgical Suture Manufacturing Technologies,” Journal of Functional Biomaterials, mdpi.com that translate to predictable healing curves. Many of these lines carry antimicrobial triclosan coatings that reduce SSI risk. Non-absorbables remain indispensable in cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures but show slower expansion as sealants encroach on applications once reserved for permanent support. Catgut availability is tightening because of ethical sourcing scrutiny, prompting laboratories to explore albumin-based proteins that break down cleanly without triggering inflammation.
The development pipeline is crowded with electrospun absorbables that integrate antibiotic or growth-factor reservoirs. These fibers deliver a local therapeutic payload while retaining minimum knot-pull strength for up to four weeks, a specification attractive to outpatient centers focused on fast discharge. Though natural silk still finds use in select dentistry cases, its higher bacterial adherence is slowing wider uptake. Premium synthetic lines therefore capture a greater share of the surgical sutures market by positioning on infection reduction, staff convenience and patient comfort.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Construction: Barbed Sutures Transform Surgical Efficiency
Multifilament braids controlled 59.38% of the surgical sutures market size in 2024, thanks to superior pliability and knot security. However, barbed formats lead growth at 7.23% CAGR because their self-gripping texture removes the knotting step, lowering operation time in laparoscopic and robot-assisted fields. Early clinical programs validated barbed sutures in plastic surgery, but expanded clearances now cover gynecology and digestive procedures, boosting unit demand. Investment continues in bidirectional barbs that lock tissue from the mid-point outward, spreading tension evenly and cutting foreign-body load.
Monofilaments persist in vascular grafting where low drag and smooth passage are decisive. New surface-treated monofilaments combine nano-scale texturing with antibacterial ions, ensuring microbial resistance without sacrificing flexibility. Collectively these refinements heighten the surgical sutures market appeal of premium constructions that maximize theater efficiency and postoperative outcomes.
By Application: Cardiovascular Surgery Leads Growth
General surgery accounted for the largest procedure count and 26.79% of the surgical sutures market size in 2024, yet cardiovascular surgery heads the growth charts with 5.81% CAGR. High-pressure hemodynamic environments demand ultra-strong non-absorbables or slowly resorbing barbed sutures that preserve lumen integrity. Product design emphasizes needle geometry capable of penetrating calcified vessel walls without tearing. Orthopedics leans on braided absorbables for tendon re-attachment, while ophthalmology relies on 10-0 or finer monofilaments for micro-incisions. Aesthetic disciplines seek ultrafine clear sutures that minimize scar visibility. Each clinical niche underlines the breadth of engineering requirements underpinning the surgical sutures market.
By Distribution Channel: Online Growth Accelerates
Direct tenders and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) yielded 44.51% of the surgical sutures market share in 2024 by bundling multi-year contracts at volume discounts. Digitalization is reshaping procurement, and online marketplaces are forecast to log 6.54% CAGR as smaller clinics use e-catalogs to bypass intermediaries and source niche gauges on demand. E-commerce also supports just-in-time restocking during supply alerts, protecting case schedules from shipment delays. Offline distributors retain importance in regions where hands-on training accompanies new product launches, particularly for barbed and drug-eluting lines that require revised handling techniques.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Coating: Coated Sutures Drive Premium Segment
Uncoated versions still held 65.02% of the surgical sutures market size in 2024, given their lower unit cost and broad indication scope. Nevertheless, coated varieties are growing 6.09% CAGR, anchored by robust clinical evidence that antimicrobial barriers lower SSI incidence. Triclosan dominates early adoption, but silver-composite and peptide-based coatings are gaining traction as multiresistant organisms proliferate. Manufacturers must navigate rigorous biocompatibility trials, but successful candidates command price premiums that lift overall surgical sutures market profitability.
By End-User: ASCs Drive Market Expansion
Hospitals consumed 61.82% of the surgical sutures market share in 2024 as complex surgeries remained inpatient. Yet ambulatory surgical centers are the fastest riser, expanding 6.15% because payers favor same-day discharge models that slash facility costs. The typical ASC values sutures that cut closure time and shrink infection risk within short observation windows. Customized ASC packs featuring barbed absorbables and color-coded needles give suppliers an edge in this high-turnover environment. Specialty clinics and emergency departments form a smaller but steady channel, demanding kits that simplify staff training and speed procedural turnover.
Geography Analysis
North America contributed 42.53% of global revenue in 2024 and is forecast to add USD 0.82 billion in incremental value by 2030. Medicare’s USD 6.8 billion outlay on ASC services evidences resilient procedural demand, while FDA vigilance over pediatric shortages is prompting dual-sourcing agreements that stabilize supplies. Home-grown giants such as Johnson & Johnson funneled USD 1.3 billion into surgical-instrument R&D during 2025, cementing the region’s innovation leadership.
Europe advances at 5.28% CAGR on the back of aging demographics and harmonized CE-mark pathways. Sustainability targets are steering purchasing committees toward biodegradable synthetics that minimize environmental burden. Eastern European expansion programs create uptake for mid-tier products, balancing premium innovation seen in Germany and France.
Asia-Pacific records the highest 6.19% CAGR as health-insurance coverage widens and procedure volumes surge in China and India. Local manufacturers are scaling polypropylene and polyglactin lines to cut import reliance, thereby expanding the addressable surgical sutures market size for regional suppliers. Middle East & Africa’s 5.74% CAGR is buoyed by multi-specialty hospital projects, while South America’s 5.65% trajectory reflects improving healthcare access in Brazil and Argentina.

Competitive Landscape
The competitive arena remains moderately concentrated, dominated by multinational portfolios that stretch from basic nylon to drug-eluting absorbables. Ethicon continues to set the technology pace with STRATAFIX barbed families and triclosan coatings that demonstrate clear SSI reductions. Medtronic registered USD 8.4 billion in Medical Surgical revenue during fiscal 2025, spotlighting vessel-sealing synergies that cross-sell into suture accounts.
R&D budgets prioritize composite materials, robotic-compatible needles and eco-friendly polymers aimed at meeting ESG mandates. Start-ups employing electrospinning are carving niches with customizable fiber diameters and on-board drug loading.
Market entry barriers stay high due to sterility and tensile validation protocols, yet FDA performance-based pathways are shortening timelines for developers that can demonstrate real-world outcome gains. Digital traceability and predictive analytics are emerging as service differentiators, helping operating rooms track lot numbers and expiration dates in real time.
Surgical Sutures Industry Leaders
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B. Braun Melsungen AG
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Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
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Medtronic plc
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Smith & Nephew plc
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Teleflex Incorporated
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- January 2025: Medtronic disclosed USD 33.5 billion total revenue, with Medical Surgical Portfolio reaching USD 8.4 billion on 0.8% organic growth, buoyed by LigaSure vessel-sealing lines.
- October 2024: Corza Medical launched Onatec ophthalmic microsurgical sutures at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
- September 2024: Johnson & Johnson MedTech unified its brands, including Ethicon, under the J&J MedTech banner to amplify commercial reach.
- August 2023: Healthium Medtech introduced TRUMAS Polyglactin 910 and Polydioxanone sutures aimed at minimally invasive surgeries.
Global Surgical Sutures Market Report Scope
As per the scope of the report, a suture refers to any strand of material used to litigate blood vessels or tissues to close a surgical site. They play a crucial role in the healing process. The surgical sutures market is segmented by product type, application, end user, and geography. By product type, the market is segmented into absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures. The absorbable sutures are further segmented into natural sutures and synthetic sutures. The non-absorbable sutures are further segmented into nylon, prolene, and other non-absorbable sutures. By application the market is segmented into ophthalmic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurological surgery, and other applications. The other application segment is further segmented into cosmetic and plastic surgery and gynaecological surgery. By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals/clinics and ambulatory surgical centers. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the surgical sutures market in 17 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (USD).
By Product Type | Absorbable Sutures | Natural | Catgut | |
Collagen | ||||
Synthetic | Vicryl | |||
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) | ||||
Other Absorbable Synthetic Sutures | ||||
Non-absorbable Sutures | Nylon | |||
Polypropylene | ||||
Polyester | ||||
Silk | ||||
Other Non-absorbable Sutures | ||||
By Construction | Monofilament | |||
Multifilament | ||||
Barbed Sutures | ||||
By Application | General Surgery | |||
Cardiovascular Surgery | ||||
Orthopedic Surgery | ||||
Ophthalmic Surgery | ||||
Neurological Surgery | ||||
Obstetrics & Gynecology | ||||
Dental & Oral Surgery | ||||
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery | ||||
Other Applications | ||||
By Distribution Channel | Direct Tender / GPO | |||
Offline | ||||
Online | ||||
By Coating | Uncoated | |||
Coated | ||||
By End-User | Hospitals | |||
Ambulatory Surgical Centers | ||||
Other End-Users | ||||
By Geography | North America | United States | ||
Canada | ||||
Mexico | ||||
Europe | Germany | |||
United Kingdom | ||||
France | ||||
Italy | ||||
Spain | ||||
Rest of Europe | ||||
Asia-Pacific | China | |||
India | ||||
Japan | ||||
Australia | ||||
South Korea | ||||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||||
Middle East and Africa | GCC | |||
South Africa | ||||
Rest of Middle East and Africa | ||||
South America | Brazil | |||
Argentina | ||||
Rest of South America |
Absorbable Sutures | Natural | Catgut | |
Collagen | |||
Synthetic | Vicryl | ||
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) | |||
Other Absorbable Synthetic Sutures | |||
Non-absorbable Sutures | Nylon | ||
Polypropylene | |||
Polyester | |||
Silk | |||
Other Non-absorbable Sutures |
Monofilament |
Multifilament |
Barbed Sutures |
General Surgery |
Cardiovascular Surgery |
Orthopedic Surgery |
Ophthalmic Surgery |
Neurological Surgery |
Obstetrics & Gynecology |
Dental & Oral Surgery |
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery |
Other Applications |
Direct Tender / GPO |
Offline |
Online |
Uncoated |
Coated |
Hospitals |
Ambulatory Surgical Centers |
Other End-Users |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
France | |
Italy | |
Spain | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
India | |
Japan | |
Australia | |
South Korea | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
Middle East and Africa | GCC |
South Africa | |
Rest of Middle East and Africa | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
Which suture construction is most favored for robot-assisted procedures?
Barbed sutures are preferred because their self-anchoring design removes knot-tying steps and shortens operative time.
How do antimicrobial coatings influence hospital purchasing?
Facilities increasingly select coated sutures to lower surgical site infection rates and meet value-based reimbursement goals.
Why are ambulatory surgical centers shaping new product designs?
ASCs demand sutures that enable rapid, reliable closure and minimal postoperative complications to support same-day discharge protocols.
What material innovations are improving absorbable suture performance?
Advanced synthetic polymers provide predictable degradation and enhanced elasticity, resulting in secure tissue approximation during healing.
How is regulatory scrutiny affecting manufacturers?
Stringent quality audits and higher recall risks are prompting producers to strengthen supply-chain transparency and compliance systems.
In what way is sustainability influencing suture material choices?
ESG initiatives are driving a shift away from animal-derived fibers toward biodegradable synthetic alternatives with lower environmental impact.
Page last updated on: June 23, 2025