Biliary Stents Market By Product Type (Metal Stents, Plastic Stents); By Application (Malignant Biliary Obstruction, Benign Biliary Strictures); By End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Biliary Stents Market will witness a steady CAGR of 6.9% , valued at approximately USD 520 million in 2024 , and projected to reach close to USD 780 million by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Biliary stents—small, mesh-like tubes inserted to open narrowed or blocked bile ducts—have become essential tools in both oncology and hepatobiliary care. Whether due to tumors , gallstones, or chronic pancreatitis, biliary obstructions pose serious risks ranging from jaundice to sepsis. In these high-stakes situations, stents offer immediate decompression and long-term relief, often serving as a bridge to surgery or palliative care.

 

Between now and 2030, the relevance of biliary stenting is only set to grow. For one, the aging population continues to fuel cases of cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and benign strictures—all major use cases for stents. On top of that, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)—the primary procedure for deploying biliary stents—is becoming more widely accessible even in mid-tier healthcare settings, thanks to better imaging and lower device costs.

 

Macro forces are pushing this market from multiple angles. Cancer rates are rising, particularly pancreatic and liver-related malignancies, where bile duct compression is a common complication. Patients are also being diagnosed earlier, with CT and MRI spotting ductal changes before symptoms worsen—leading to more elective stenting procedures. On the tech side, manufacturers are racing to develop stents with longer patency, drug coatings, and better deployment precision to cut down on reintervention rates.

 

Key stakeholders in this space span across clinical and commercial spectrums:

• Medical device OEMs focusing on nitinol and polymer-based stent innovation.

• Gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists performing ERCP or percutaneous interventions.

• Hospital systems and specialty care centers serving high-volume cancer and hepatobiliary cases.

• Healthcare payers and insurers , particularly in North America and Europe, increasingly backing early palliative interventions that reduce hospital days.

• Investors and private equity exploring niche medical device segments with strong clinical need and moderate innovation cycles.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The biliary stents market breaks down across a few practical dimensions that reflect how—and why—these devices are used. While it’s a relatively compact category compared to broader interventional devices, segmentation still plays a big role in strategy, procurement, and innovation.

For this report, we segment the market across four core axes :

By Product Type

• Metal Stents (Self-Expandable Metallic Stents - SEMS) These dominate the market by value. SEMS are commonly used in malignant obstructions because of their longer patency and minimal migration. Covered versions also help reduce tumor ingrowth.

• Plastic Stents Still used in benign strictures, temporary cases, or where cost is a major factor. Plastic stents require more frequent replacement but remain a go-to for lower-acuity or repeatable procedures.

In 2024, metal stents account for nearly 68% of global market revenue , thanks to their premium pricing and higher use in cancer care. However, plastic stents maintain volume dominance in public health systems and resource-limited settings.

 

By Application

• Malignant Biliary Obstruction Most common use case, especially in pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct cancers. Stents are often deployed for palliation or pre-surgical decompression.

• Benign Biliary Strictures Typically caused by gallstones, surgical injury, or chronic pancreatitis. While less common, management often involves serial stenting, which boosts procedure volume.

Malignant applications drive the lion’s share of revenue , and this will likely continue as cancer prevalence climbs in aging populations.

 

By End User

• Hospitals Account for the majority of stent procedures—especially large academic and cancer centers with ERCP capabilities.

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Growing steadily, especially in the U.S. and select APAC countries where outpatient ERCP is expanding.

• Specialty Clinics & Diagnostic Centers A small but emerging segment, particularly in countries modernizing gastroenterology infrastructure.

Hospitals hold over 75% of procedural share today, but ASCs may see faster growth due to reimbursement advantages and lower overhead.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa)

North America currently leads , driven by high ERCP volumes, strong reimbursement frameworks, and aging cancer populations. But Asia Pacific is poised for the fastest CAGR , due to surging liver cancer incidence in China and rising access to endoscopic care in India, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Innovation in the biliary stents market isn’t always headline-grabbing—but beneath the surface, some meaningful shifts are reshaping how stents are designed, deployed, and maintained. From drug coatings to smart deployment systems, this space is seeing a quiet evolution.

1. Shift Toward Fully Covered Metal Stents

Historically, bare metal stents were widely used for their strength and lower cost. But as procedural volumes grew—and reinterventions became a cost and care burden— fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have become more attractive. These reduce tissue ingrowth and make stent removal easier in benign cases.

One GI specialist said bluntly: “Covered SEMS are now our default unless there’s a strong reason not to use them.” Their use is expanding even beyond oncology, especially for strictures after liver transplant or chronic pancreatitis.

 

2. Drug-Eluting and Antimicrobial Coatings

To fight off biofilm formation and stent occlusion, R&D is leaning into antimicrobial coatings and drug-eluting stents —borrowing from cardiology's playbook. While most biliary stents today are passive, some pilot models are testing agents like paclitaxel or antibiotics to prolong patency and reduce cholangitis risk.

Early data is promising, but these stents are still mostly in clinical trials or limited commercial release. That said, the long-term value proposition is clear: fewer occlusions, fewer ER visits, and fewer replacements.

 

3. Minimally Invasive Deployment Systems

ERCP has long been the standard for biliary stenting, but there’s a trend toward simplified, image-guided delivery systems that reduce procedural time and improve precision.

Some manufacturers are embedding radiopaque markers , improved catheter flexibility , and preloaded systems to minimize steps in tight anatomy. For smaller hospitals or clinics with limited ERCP expertise, these enhancements can mean the difference between offering the procedure—or referring it out entirely.

 

4. Biodegradable Biliary Stents

Biodegradable stents are being explored for benign strictures and temporary decompression scenarios. These dissolve naturally after a few months, eliminating the need for repeat endoscopy or percutaneous removal. Still in early development, but gaining traction in Europe and select research centers in Asia.

If these prove reliable in real-world cases, they could cut down significantly on follow-up costs and hospital stays.

 

5. Integration with Imaging & Navigation

There's also progress in real-time stent tracking using fluoroscopy overlays and navigation software , particularly in high-risk biliary procedures. This tech integration is still early-stage but could lower complication rates and improve access in anatomically difficult regions.

For example, one pilot study in Japan showed that navigation-assisted biliary stenting cut perforation risk in complex hilar obstructions by nearly 40%.

 

6. Partnerships and Pipeline Collaborations

Device makers are starting to partner with oncology centers and endoscopic societies to co-develop stents optimized for tumor -specific anatomies (like Klatskin tumors or pancreatic head lesions). These partnerships often include training modules, real-world data collection, and co-branded deployment kits.

Also worth noting— AI-assisted ERCP guidance tools are being tested for procedural planning, which could eventually tie into stent selection and placement accuracy.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The biliary stents market is defined by a focused but competitive landscape. Most of the major players sit within the broader interventional endoscopy or GI device ecosystem. What makes this market unique is its balance between procedure-critical reliability and constant pressure for subtle innovations—like better coatings or simpler deployment tools.

Here’s a look at the current field of play.

Boston Scientific

The category leader by a wide margin. Boston Scientific’s stent portfolio is widely adopted across ERCP centers globally, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Their edge comes from deep clinical trust, frequent product refreshes, and strong integration with imaging and GI toolkits.

Their strategy leans heavily on:

• Expanding into drug-eluting and fully covered stents

• Supporting physician training programs

• Building loyalty via bundled GI procedural systems

They’ve also pushed aggressively into Asia-Pacific , working with local distributors and hospitals to drive ERCP adoption where it’s still maturing.

 

Cook Medical

A longtime innovator in GI and hepatobiliary tools. Cook’s biliary stents—especially their plastic and SEMS ranges—are known for ease of deployment and consistent patency. They’re often the go-to in academic centers and university hospitals.

Their positioning emphasizes:

• Durable mid-range price point options

• Compatibility with standard ERCP setups

• A focus on benign stricture management , where repeat access is common

They’ve held strong share in North America and parts of Europe, though face increasing competition in cost-sensitive markets.

 

Olympus Corporation

Best known for its endoscopy systems, Olympus has gradually strengthened its position in therapeutic devices, including biliary stents. The company benefits from being already embedded in the OR and endoscopy suite via its scopes and imaging platforms.

Olympus is moving toward:

• Integrating stents into GI procedural kits

• Developing radiopaque markers for easier placement

• Expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia and Latin America

Their distribution strength and in-hospital relationships give them a logistical edge, even if their stent portfolio isn’t as deep as Boston’s.

 

Medtronic

While not a core GI stent player historically, Medtronic has stepped up its presence in this space through M&A and selective regional rollouts. Their strategy is less about leading with product innovation and more about leveraging broad procedural presence —especially in systems where ERCP overlaps with oncology or surgical intervention.

Expect Medtronic to scale more aggressively in:

• Emerging markets through partnerships

• Offering integrated procedural solutions combining imaging, stenting, and monitoring

They’re still in the “challenger” zone but gaining share quietly.

 

Micro-Tech (Nanjing) Co. Ltd

A rising Chinese manufacturer that’s making inroads outside of China. Their stents are priced competitively and are starting to show up in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe . While they don’t yet have deep clinical data, their focus on cost-efficiency is catching attention.

Some facilities use Micro-Tech products as secondary-line options —especially in public hospitals or when payers cap reimbursement per procedure.

 

Taewoong Medical (Now Part of Olympus)

This South Korean firm has long been a respected name in metallic GI stents, particularly SEMS. Olympus acquired Taewoong in 2023 to bolster its biliary and esophageal stent lineup, giving them top-tier IP and engineering capability in this segment.

Taewoong’s former strengths now feed into Olympus’s push for:

• Segment-specific innovation (e.g., hilar vs distal bile duct)

• Strong APAC regional trust

• High-precision deployment systems for difficult anatomies

 

Competitive Dynamics at a Glance:

• Boston Scientific dominates on trust and training.

• Cook Medical remains a quiet leader in durable, dependable systems.

• Olympus and Medtronic are leveraging procedural ecosystems.

• Micro-Tech is making cost-driven moves in emerging economies.

• Taewoong’s R&D pipeline gives Olympus an edge in SEMS.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Biliary stent adoption looks very different depending on where in the world you are. In some countries, ERCP with stenting is a same-day outpatient procedure. In others, it’s still a high-cost intervention limited to tertiary hospitals. That said, every region is moving in the same direction—more procedures, more cancer cases, and stronger demand for reliable stents.

Here’s how the landscape breaks down.

North America

Still the largest market , led by the United States. ERCP is widely available, often performed in outpatient or ambulatory surgical centers . High prevalence of pancreatic and liver cancers keeps demand strong.

What sets this region apart:

• Reimbursement support for biliary procedures across Medicare and private insurers

• Well-developed oncology referral networks , leading to earlier intervention

• Higher usage of metal stents , particularly covered SEMS

Academic centers and large health systems tend to use top-tier products, while smaller hospitals may use mid-range or plastic stents for benign cases. Canada lags slightly in procedural volume but follows similar patterns.

A U.S. GI director noted, “If you’re treating pancreatic cancer, you’re placing a biliary stent. No questions asked.”

 

Europe

Europe remains a stronghold for both advanced metal stents and emerging biodegradable solutions . Nations like Germany, France, the UK, and Italy lead in volume, thanks to robust GI infrastructure and early cancer detection programs.

Regional nuances:

• Widespread adoption of covered SEMS

• Active clinical trials exploring drug-eluting and bioresorbable designs

• Public healthcare systems drive demand for cost-efficiency and long-term outcomes

The EU’s regulatory rigor also shapes the market. Vendors must show real-world efficacy to gain traction, especially for newer technologies.

In many hospitals, the choice of stent isn’t just about clinical need—it’s about how many reinterventions the hospital can afford. Europe rewards durability .

 

Asia Pacific

The fastest-growing region , without a doubt. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are experiencing surging demand driven by rising GI cancers, more trained endoscopists, and expanding hospital networks.

Here’s what’s happening:

• China and India are scaling ERCP programs in both public and private hospitals

• Japanese firms and KOLs are advancing precision stenting, especially in hilar strictures

• South Korea leads in early adoption of AI-guided navigation and high-resolution imaging during ERCP

That said, cost and training are barriers. Smaller hospitals may default to plastic stents or refer out complex cases. Still, growth is unmistakable.

One physician in Mumbai shared, “We’re placing more biliary stents now than ever. Our biggest issue? Finding affordable options that don’t sacrifice performance.”

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa)

A mixed picture, but one with clear white space.

Latin America —especially Brazil and Mexico—is seeing increasing biliary stent use in both private and public hospitals. Access to SEMS is growing, though many facilities still rely on plastic stents due to cost constraints.

Middle East markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in oncology care and tertiary hospitals, creating fresh demand for high-end GI devices, including biliary stents.

Africa , meanwhile, remains underpenetrated. Outside of South Africa and a few North African hubs, stent availability is sporadic and often reliant on donor-funded care or NGO programs.

 

Key Takeaways by Region:

• North America : Mature, high-trust market with procedure volume and premium products.

• Europe : Price-sensitive but innovation-forward; clinical outcomes drive procurement.

• Asia Pacific : Rapid growth, infrastructure challenges, and a need for hybrid pricing.

• LAMEA : Underserved, but starting to shift as healthcare systems invest in GI care.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The biliary stents market thrives on real-world procedure demand. It’s not a technology push market—it’s a patient need market. And the users at the front lines—gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, oncologists—make purchase decisions based less on flash and more on trust, ease of use, and post-placement outcomes.

Let’s break down how different types of healthcare providers are driving this market forward.

 

Hospitals

These are the core buyers of biliary stents worldwide. Whether it's a large urban hospital or a mid-tier regional center , biliary decompression procedures are most often done in hospital-based GI labs or ORs under fluoroscopic guidance.

Hospitals prioritize:

• Stent durability , especially in malignant cases

• Stock diversity (plastic for benign, metal for malignant)

• Access to training and tech support , especially when deploying SEMS in challenging anatomies

In cancer centers , biliary stents are often part of a multimodal care plan , placed before chemotherapy or palliative surgery.

 

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

Fast-growing in markets like the U.S. and South Korea, ASCs perform a growing number of ERCPs, especially for straightforward benign strictures or elective stent exchanges.

ASCs care about:

• Streamlined deployment systems

• Low complication rates (to avoid transfers or admissions)

• Bundled procurement from trusted GI equipment vendors

Because they operate under tighter financial margins, ASCs often standardize on one or two stent types , balancing quality and cost.

 

Specialty Clinics and Diagnostic Centers

In parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, these clinics are starting to offer advanced GI diagnostics and minor interventions, including stent placement.

Here, physicians prefer:

• Plastic stents , which are more affordable

• Devices that are compatible with existing imaging systems

• Minimal inventory needs , as case volumes are lower

This segment is still small but expanding fast, especially in metro cities and medical hubs where hospital access is limited or wait times are long.

 

Use Case Highlight: Oncology-Focused GI Unit in Singapore

A cancer-focused GI unit at a leading hospital in Singapore was dealing with an uptick in biliary obstructions among pancreatic cancer patients. Historically, they used a mix of plastic and uncovered metal stents—until they noticed increasing readmission rates due to occlusion within 3–4 months.

After switching to fully covered SEMS with a longer patency profile, reintervention rates dropped by 40% . Patients avoided procedure delays for chemotherapy, and the team saw better biliary drainage on follow-up imaging.

The stent cost was higher—but in this case, clinical and economic outcomes justified the switch.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

This market moves slower than some flashier medtech segments, but it’s far from static. Recent developments reflect a quiet but steady push toward better outcomes, fewer reinterventions, and tailored stenting solutions for increasingly complex patient profiles.

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Boston Scientific launched a next-gen fully covered SEMS in 2023, focused on improved anti-migration design and enhanced radiopacity, aimed at reducing reintervention rates in malignant strictures.

• Olympus completed its acquisition of Taewoong Medical in early 2023, strengthening its stent portfolio with advanced SEMS options, particularly for hilar and complex biliary anatomy.

• Cook Medical expanded its biliary line with a lower-profile plastic stent delivery system in 2024, designed for easier deployment in tortuous ducts.

• Medtronic announced partnerships in Latin America to expand access to biliary and enteral stenting procedures, combining distributor training with bundled imaging and procedural kits.

• Clinical trials for biodegradable biliary stents moved into Phase II in parts of Europe and Japan, with early data showing acceptable safety in benign stricture management.

 

Opportunities

• Rising GI Cancer Incidence The upward trend in pancreatic, bile duct, and gallbladder cancers globally—especially in aging populations—is a direct growth lever for biliary stent procedures. Every malignancy-induced stricture is a stenting opportunity.

• Emerging Market Access Expansion Countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia are rapidly scaling access to ERCP. Vendors that offer low-cost yet reliable stents can dominate high-volume, value-driven care settings.

• Biodegradable & Drug-Eluting R&D Hospitals are eager to avoid repeat procedures. Any stent that extends patency or dissolves after therapeutic use will find a welcome audience—especially in benign disease pathways.

 

Restraints

• Cost Sensitivity in Mid- and Low-Income Settings High-quality SEMS can run several hundred dollars per unit. In systems without strong reimbursement, hospitals default to plastic stents or limit usage, capping market expansion.

• Limited Specialist Access ERCP remains a highly skilled procedure. Many regional hospitals lack experienced endoscopists, which directly limits procedural volume—and, by extension, stent demand.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 520 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 780 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.9% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	Metal Stents, Plastic Stents
By Application	Malignant Biliary Obstruction, Benign Biliary Strictures
By End User	Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Specialty Clinics
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Growing incidence of GI cancers - Wider availability of ERCP - Advancements in stent coatings & design
Customization Option	Available upon request