Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography Market

Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to a new Fact.MR industry analysis, the global fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) market is expected to surge from a valuation of US$ 43.5 million in 2023 to US$ 1.2 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 35.7% over the decade.

FFRCT is a relatively new technique, and currently, only one approved product is available in the market. The market contributed 0.2% share in terms of value to the US$ 23.7 billion global diagnostic imaging devices market in 2022.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is characterized by the formation of blockages within the arteries that supply blood to the heart. In people with CAD, the arteries leading to the heart are obstructed due to a condition called atherosclerosis. This restricts the flow of blood to the heart, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain, heart attacks, and, in severe cases, fatalities.

Increasing demand for fractional flow reserve and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, rise in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and technological advancements in medical imaging have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

The market for fractional flow reserve computed tomography is benefiting from the rising prevalence of diabetes and coronary artery disease worldwide. Poor dietary habits among the population, which also contribute to obesity and related diseases such as diabetes, are on the rise.

Other complications of type II diabetes include the growth of fat cells in the coronary artery, which can clog the artery and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Rising prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses is predicted to boost demand for fractional flow-reserve computed tomography.

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death on a global scale. According to the World Health Organization, there were around 17.9 million deaths worldwide in 2019, 32% of which were caused by CVDs, and 85% of these fatalities resulted from heart attacks and strokes.

Need for fractional flow reserve computed tomography is expected to remain high during the forecast period due to the growing elderly population. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more prevalent in the elderly. Due to the aging population in countries such as Japan, China, and Brazil, the geriatric population is expected to expand worldwide in the coming years.

• According to the United Nations, there were 703 million people aged 65 and older worldwide in 2019. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 1.5 billion.

Report Attributes	Details
Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography Market Size (2023)	US$ 56.2 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2033)	US$ 1.2 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	35.7% CAGR
Market Share of Obstructive CAD FFRCT (2023)	70.8%
United Kingdom Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	41.5% CAGR
United States Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	36.4% CAGR
Japan Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	27.7% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Abbott Laboratories; Boston Scientific Corp.; Bracco SpA; GE Electric Co.; Heartflow Inc.; Medtronic PLC; Terumo Corporation; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Siemens AG; Koninklijke Philips N.V.

What are the Factors Fuelling the Demand for Fractional Flow Reserve Computed Tomography?

“Favorable Reimbursement Procedures and High Preference for Non-Invasive Diagnosis”

High prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, presence of several key market players, and favorable reimbursement policies across regions are the significant factors driving the growth of the fractional flow reserve computed tomography market.

Sales of fractional flow reserve equipment are growing due to increasing healthcare expenditure, growing awareness about non-invasive diagnostic procedures, and growing healthcare infrastructure. Spending on healthcare services is increasing through government or private initiatives, which is also fueling demand for fractional flow reserve-computed tomography (FFRCT).

• For example, in June 2019, NHS England expanded reimbursement for HeartFlow analysis through the Innovation and Technology Payment (ITP) program.
• In June 2018, HeartFlow announced new commercial coverage through UnitedHealth Care, the largest health insurer in the United States.

“High Demand for Non-invasive Procedures Over Invasive Procedures”

Computer imaging (tomography) refers to non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedures that use computer-assisted techniques to capture images of the heart. A computer creates three-dimensional (3-D) images that can show blockages due to calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.

HeartFlow Fractional Flow Reserve CT analysis is the first non-invasive diagnostic tool to help physicians assess the degree of arterial stenosis and its impact on blood flow to the heart, vessel by vessel.

Clinicians can reduce unnecessary intrusive testing, lower costs to the healthcare system, and improve patient’s quality of life by non-invasively determining who needs intervention.

The accuracy of non-invasive disease detection systems is higher than invasive fractional flow reserve systems.

• For example, in October 2022, the United States FDA granted US$ 510,000 to HeartFlow, Inc. for two brand-new AI-powered products: Plaque Analysis and RoadMap Analysis.

“Improved Access to FFRCT in Rural Areas”

Government and manufacturers’ initiatives to improve healthcare access for rural residents have led to increased awareness of early diagnosis.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in rural areas because of the unavailability of healthcare facilities in rural areas. Access to the fractional flow reserve-computed tomography (FFRCT) technique and other facilities has improved in rural areas around the world.

“Increasing Cases of Cardiac Diseases Necessitating Use of FFRCT for Early Diagnosis”

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death worldwide. Heart attacks and strokes, which are typically brought on by a blockage that prevents blood flow to the heart or brain, are sudden, devastating events. Increasing prevalence of CVD is likely to present opportunities for the players within the fractional flow reserve computed tomography market over the decade.

• As per the World Health Organization, in 2019, noncommunicable diseases contributed to 17 million premature deaths (deaths occurring before the age of 70), 38% of which were caused by cardiovascular disease. The majority of cardiovascular diseases can be avoided by addressing behavioral risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, inactivity, and consumption of alcohol.

Which are the Hindrances to the Adoption of Fractional Flow Reserve Radiology Equipment?

“Lack of Awareness about Benefits of Computed Tomography and High Diagnostic Costs”

Computed tomography-determined fractional flow reserve is widely used in developing nations, yet the prohibitive expense of healthcare prevents most people from opting for this modern technique. Strategic promotional measures from major manufacturers are required to raise awareness among people everywhere.

Despite being an innovative approach, fractional flow reserve computed tomography equipment is not widely utilized, making it less common compared to more accessible and cost-effective alternative technologies like non-invasive fractional flow reserve systems. Due to the higher diagnostic costs associated with FFRCT, patients are less inclined to opt for this technique.

Expenses related to treating cardiovascular disease remain elevated primarily due to the significant mortality rate associated with the condition. Without a comprehensive diagnosis, cardiovascular disease can lead to severe multi-organ failure, which necessitates costly therapies.

The high cost of diagnostic methods acts as a limiting factor in market expansion. The progress of the market is further impeded by technical challenges and a slow pace of infrastructural development, which hinders the adoption and implementation of advanced technologies. While this technology may be more advanced, it is also accompanied by higher costs.

Country-wise Insights

What are the Trends Fueling the Sales of FFRCT in the United States?

“High Prevalence of Lifestyle Disorders Coupled with Increasing Diagnostic Needs”

The market in the United States is predicted to reach US$ 349 million by 2033.

Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, remain a leading cause of mortality in the United States. As the population ages and the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension continues to rise, there is an increasing demand for accurate and efficient diagnostic tools like FFRCT to assess and manage these conditions.

• As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 person dies in the United States every 33 seconds. Heart disease caused 695,000 deaths in 2021. Coronary heart disease led to more than 375,000 deaths.

What Makes Germany a Key Market for FFRCT Equipment Suppliers?

“Strong Healthcare Infrastructure and Growing Emphasis on R&D”

Sales of fractional flow reserve computed tomography equipment in Germany are expected to be valued at US$ 7.1 million in 2023.

Germany has a well-developed healthcare system with advanced infrastructure, including modern medical facilities, hospitals, and diagnostic centers. The country has a reputation for providing high-quality healthcare services, and this facilitates the adoption of fractional flow systems and utilization of innovative technologies like FFR monitoring systems CT or FFRCT scan.

Germany is known for its strong focus on research and development in the medical field. The country has a robust academic and scientific community, and there are several research institutions and universities conducting studies in cardiovascular imaging and diagnostics. This emphasis on research promotes the development and adoption of advanced technologies like FFRCT.

How is Demand for FFRCT Solutions Shaping Up in Japan?

“Robust R&D Activities Leading to Innovations in Imaging Technologies”

The market in Japan is estimated to rise at a CAGR of 27.7% throughout the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

Japan has a rapidly aging population, and cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, are major health concerns. As the population ages and the incidence of risk factors like hypertension and diabetes increases, there is a growing need for accurate and efficient diagnostic tools like FFRCT to assess and manage these conditions.

Japan is well known for its advancements in medical imaging and technology. Japanese companies are actively involved in developing and improving fractional flow reserve medical imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT). This technological expertise can contribute to the development and refinement of FFRCT technology, making it more reliable, accurate, and accessible in the Japanese market.

Category-wise Insights

Why is the Obstructive CAD Scanning Technique Most Widely Adopted?

“High Demand for FFRCT Targeting Obstructive CAD Due to its Ability to Provide Accurate Visualization and Assessment of Blockages”

Based on scan, the market is classified into obstructive CAD and non-obstructive CAD. At present, obstructive CAD is the dominating segment, accounting for 69.3% market share in 2022.

Obstructive CAD refers to significant blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries that can impede blood flow to the heart muscle. Identifying these obstructions is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies, such as interventions like stenting or bypass surgery. Obstructive CAD scanning techniques provide direct visualization and assessment of these blockages, making them highly clinically relevant and necessary for decision-making.

Which End-user Segment Accounts for High Demand for FFRCT Technology?

“Extensive Utilization of FFRCT Solutions in Hospitals Due to Availability of Advanced Imaging Facilities”

Based on end user, the market is classified into hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and cardiology clinics. The hospitals segment held a 46.3% share of the global market in 2022.

Hospitals are equipped with advanced imaging facilities, including computed tomography (CT) scanners, which are necessary for performing FFRCT scans. These facilities allow hospitals to offer comprehensive diagnostic services to patients, including both anatomical and functional assessments of coronary artery disease. FFRCT integrates the anatomical information obtained from CT scans with functional assessment, providing a more complete evaluation of coronary artery disease.

Competitive Landscape

At present, the market for fractional flow reserve computed tomography is highly consolidated with limited players. Companies are investing heavily in research initiatives to develop products with advanced diagnostic and imaging technologies.

• In April 2023, HeartFlow, Inc. announced the launch of RoadMap analysis, an AI-enabled solution that helps CT readers recognize coronary stenosis accurately, quickly, and consistently. HeartFlow is now the sole company that provides anatomical and physiological visualization of the coronary arteries to enhance heart disease diagnosis and guide treatment decisions, owing to its enlarged product line.

Key Segments of FFRCT Industry Research

• By Scan :

  • Obstructive CAD
  • Non-obstructive CAD

• By End User :

  • Hospitals
  • Diagnostic Imaging Centers
  • Cardiology Clinics

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Japan