The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, is experiencing a significant rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), driven by lifestyle changes, an aging population, and the increasing prevalence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. As governments in the GCC continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure and advanced medical technologies, the cardiovascular devices market is expected to witness rapid growth by 2030.
This article explores the cardiovascular devices that are poised to dominate the GCC market in the coming years, considering regional healthcare trends, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of healthcare providers.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Devices
- Coronary Stents
One of the leading devices in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary stents are expected to remain at the forefront of the GCC cardiovascular devices market. With the increasing prevalence of CAD in the region, driven by high rates of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles, demand for PCI procedures, including stent implantation, is set to rise.
By 2030, drug-eluting stents (DES) will likely dominate the market, offering superior outcomes in preventing restenosis (re-narrowing of arteries) compared to traditional bare-metal stents. Technological advancements, such as bioresorbable stents and stents designed for complex lesions, will further expand treatment options and drive growth in this segment.
- Angioplasty Balloons
In addition to stents, angioplasty balloons—used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries—will continue to play a crucial role in PCI procedures. The introduction of drug-coated balloons (DCBs), which deliver medication directly to the arterial wall, has significantly improved patient outcomes by reducing restenosis rates, particularly in patients who may not be suitable candidates for stent implantation.
- Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Devices
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
With the growing incidence of heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest in the GCC, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are expected to see increasing demand by 2030. ICDs continuously monitor heart rhythms and deliver shocks when life-threatening arrhythmias occur, reducing the risk of sudden death in high-risk patients.
Advances in ICD technology, such as subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs)—which avoid direct contact with the heart and reduce procedural risks—are expected to drive growth in this segment. Additionally, the integration of remote monitoring capabilities will allow healthcare providers to track patients’ heart rhythms more effectively and make timely interventions.
- Pacemakers
As the GCC population ages and the prevalence of bradycardia (slow heart rate) increases, demand for pacemakers—which regulate abnormal heart rhythms—will also rise. By 2030, leadless pacemakers, which are implanted directly into the heart without the need for traditional leads, are expected to dominate the market due to their minimally invasive nature and reduced complication rates.
Technological advancements, such as dual-chamber and MRI-compatible pacemakers, will further enhance patient outcomes, offering more personalized and precise treatments for individuals with arrhythmias.
- Heart Valve Replacement and Repair Devices
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
In response to the increasing prevalence of aortic valve disease in the GCC, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is emerging as a preferred treatment option for patients who are at high risk for traditional open-heart surgery. TAVR offers a minimally invasive solution for replacing aortic valves in patients with aortic stenosis, resulting in shorter recovery times and lower complication rates.
By 2030, TAVR is expected to dominate the heart valve market in the GCC, driven by technological advancements and expanding indications for its use. In addition to aortic valve replacements, transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement (TMVR) procedures are likely to gain momentum, offering minimally invasive solutions for patients with mitral valve disease.
- Surgical Valve Replacements
While TAVR is expected to lead the heart valve market, surgical valve replacements will still hold a significant share by 2030, particularly in cases where patients require more complex interventions. Advances in bioprosthetic valves—which are less likely to cause blood clotting compared to mechanical valves—will continue to improve outcomes for patients requiring open-heart surgery.
- Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
As the GCC faces a rising burden of heart failure, ventricular assist devices (VADs)—which support heart function in patients with advanced heart failure—are expected to see increasing demand by 2030. VADs are typically used as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a long-term solution for patients who are not candidates for transplant.
Technological advancements, such as miniaturized and fully implantable VADs, are expected to drive growth in this segment by offering improved patient mobility and quality of life. The integration of remote monitoring systems and enhanced battery life will further enhance the use of VADs in managing end-stage heart failure.
- Diagnostic and Imaging Devices
- Cardiac CT and MRI
By 2030, demand for advanced cardiac imaging technologies such as cardiac CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is expected to grow significantly in the GCC. These non-invasive imaging modalities allow healthcare providers to assess heart structure, function, and blood flow with high precision, aiding in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and cardiomyopathies.
The adoption of AI-driven imaging technologies that offer enhanced diagnostic accuracy and efficiency will further drive the market for cardiac imaging devices. AI-enabled tools can analyze imaging data quickly, providing physicians with critical insights into disease progression and treatment planning.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) Devices
Electrocardiography (ECG) remains one of the most widely used tools for diagnosing heart conditions, particularly arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and other cardiovascular disorders. The market for portable ECG devices is expected to grow as healthcare providers shift toward remote monitoring and telehealth services.
By 2030, the availability of wearable ECG monitors and devices integrated with smartphones will further enhance the real-time monitoring of heart conditions, allowing for earlier intervention and personalized care. Patients will benefit from continuous heart monitoring, enabling quicker responses to abnormal rhythms or cardiovascular events.
- Peripheral Vascular Devices
- Peripheral Stents and Atherectomy Devices
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), characterized by the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, is becoming more prevalent in the GCC, particularly among patients with diabetes. Peripheral stents and atherectomy devices, used to treat blockages in peripheral arteries, are expected to experience high demand by 2030 as PAD cases increase.
Technological advancements, such as drug-eluting stents for peripheral arteries and laser atherectomy devices, are expected to improve outcomes for patients with PAD, reducing the risk of limb amputation and enhancing blood flow to affected areas.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Devices
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic aneurysms, a condition that poses a significant risk of rupture and death if left untreated. By 2030, EVAR devices are expected to see rising demand in the GCC, particularly as the region’s aging population grows and the prevalence of aortic aneurysms increases.
EVAR devices provide a less invasive alternative to open surgery, offering shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. As healthcare providers in the GCC increasingly adopt this technology, EVAR is expected to become the standard of care for patients with aortic aneurysms.
Conclusion
By 2030, the cardiovascular devices market in the GCC will be shaped by advances in medical technology, a growing focus on minimally invasive procedures, and the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases across the region. Key products expected to dominate the market include percutaneous coronary intervention devices (stents and angioplasty balloons), cardiac rhythm management devices (ICDs and pacemakers), heart valve replacement devices (TAVR and surgical valves), ventricular assist devices, and diagnostic imaging tools.
Chinese and global cardiovascular device manufacturers looking to capture the GCC market must align their product offerings with the region’s healthcare needs, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends. With the right approach, companies can capitalize on the growing demand for advanced cardiovascular solutions in this dynamic and fast-evolving market.
Contact PengyouX to learn how we can help your cardiovascular device enterprise navigate the GCC market, from regulatory support and market entry strategies to forging partnerships with local distributors and healthcare providers.