Europe Peripheral Vascular Angiography Contrast Media Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Modality (CT/X-ray, Ultrasound), By Product (Iodinated Contrast Media, Microbubble), By End Use, By Region, And Segments Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The Europe peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market size was estimated at USD 207.33 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.63% from 2025 to 2030. The rising prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases, driven by aging populations, increasing diabetes cases, and cardiovascular disorders, has led to a higher demand for advanced diagnostic imaging solutions. In addition, the growing preference for minimally invasive procedures, such as CT and MR angiography, has fueled the adoption of contrast media for precise vascular visualization. According to the WHO, in 2024, an estimated 74 million adults in the European region are living with diabetes, representing around 11.9% of men and 10.9% of women, with projections indicating that by 2045, 1 in 10 Europeans could be living with diabetes due to an aging population and increasing risk factors such as obesity.

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Europe significantly drives the demand for peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market. CVDs, including peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, require accurate diagnostic imaging for early detection and effective treatment planning. As the number of CVD patients increases, the demand for angiography procedures also rises. This creates an expanding market for contrast media, which is crucial for enhancing image clarity and supporting precise diagnosis and intervention during vascular imaging procedures. Thus, the growing CVD burden supports market growth. As per WHO data published in May 2024, CVDs are the leading cause of death and disability in Europe and are responsible for around 10,000 deaths per day in the WHO European region.

The aging population in Europe significantly drives the market as older individuals are at higher risk for vascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As these conditions become more prevalent with age, there is increased demand for diagnostic imaging procedures, including angiography. Consequently, the need for contrast media to enhance imaging clarity and precision in these diagnostic procedures rises, thus supporting the market’s growth. As per the European Atherosclerosis Society, in 2022, the number of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Europe increased, and the burden of cardiovascular disease was highest in central and eastern Europe. According to the European Commission, in January 2023, the EU population was estimated at 448.8 million people, and more than 21.3 % were 65 years and over.

Bayer AG (Germany), Bracco (Italy), and Guerbet (France) are some of the major players in peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market in Europe. As per Guerbet's annual report 2023, in 2023, Guerbet successfully met its business and profitability targets, positioning the company for increased confidence heading into 2024. The group anticipates strong performance in the market for contrast products. Guerbet's business will benefit from the expanding MRI franchise, which is expected to play a key role in the company's growth in 2024. The company is poised for an anticipated return to growth in sales of Optiray, a key contrast product.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and the pace is accelerating. The Europe peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market is characterized by a high degree of growth owing to technological advancements in angiography contrast media in the region.

The degree of innovation in the European peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market is accelerating, driven by technological advancements in imaging techniques, AI-assisted diagnostics, and the development of safer contrast agents. Recent innovations include nanoparticle-based contrast media, dual-energy CT-compatible agents, and low-dose contrast solutions to minimize nephrotoxicity risks. Companies are also exploring AI-driven contrast injection systems, which optimize the amount of contrast used, reducing patient exposure while maintaining imaging precision.

Regulatory frameworks are crucial in shaping the market, ensuring patient safety, product efficacy, and environmental sustainability. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national health authorities impose stringent contrast media manufacturing, distribution, and clinical usage guidelines. Recent regulatory shifts, such as restrictions on gadolinium-based contrast agents due to safety concerns, have emphasized iodinated and microbubble contrast media. Additionally, increasing focus on sustainable and biodegradable contrast agents aligns with the European Union’s (EU) push for eco-friendly medical solutions. Compliance with evolving regulations is prompting manufacturers to invest in advanced research, safety studies, and improved contrast formulations.

The market has witnessed a significant increase in M&A as key market players focus on expanding their product portfolios, strengthening distribution networks, and enhancing R&D capabilities. Leading pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging companies are acquiring smaller firms specializing in contrast agents to gain a competitive edge and accelerate the development of next-generation imaging solutions. Additionally, strategic partnerships between contrast media manufacturers and healthcare providers are becoming more prevalent to ensure seamless product integration and optimized supply chains. Such M&A activities are expected to drive market consolidation, boosting innovation and improving access to advanced contrast media solutions.

The demand for advanced and safer contrast media formulations has led to continuous product expansion in the Europe peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market. Companies are focusing on developing low-osmolar, iso-osmolar, and iodine-based contrast agents to enhance image quality while reducing the risk of adverse reactions. Innovations such as dual-energy contrast media for CT angiography and bio-degradable contrast agents are being introduced to improve patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.

The market is experiencing significant regional expansion, with key players investing in emerging healthcare markets across Eastern and Central Europe to improve access to advanced vascular imaging solutions. Western European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, remain dominant due to strong healthcare infrastructure, high diagnostic imaging volumes, and favorable reimbursement policies.

Modality Insights

The CT/X-ray segment dominated the market in 2024. CT angiography is a medical imaging technique that combines a CT scan with injecting a special dye called contrast material. This dye helps better visualize blood vessels and tissues during the scan. A CT scan is a type of X-ray that uses a computer to generate cross-sectional images of the body. The contrast material is crucial for CT angiography as it enhances the visibility of the examined structures. CT angiography utilizes minimal radiation, minimizing the associated risks.

While there's always a slight theoretical risk with any radiation exposure, the benefits of accurate diagnosis typically outweigh these minimal concerns. Importantly, no radiation remains within the body after a CT scan. The rising prevalence of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) significantly increases the demand for CT angiography. Accurate diagnosis and effective management of CHDs necessitate precise imaging techniques, and CT angiography has emerged as an invaluable tool in this market.

The ultrasound segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030, due to its non-invasive nature, real-time imaging capabilities, and rising adoption in diagnosing vascular conditions. Specifically, contrast-enhanced ultrasound is becoming a preferred method for peripheral vascular imaging, offering a safe, cost-effective alternative to more invasive procedures such as CT or MRI angiography.

Ultrasound-specific contrast media improves the visualization of blood flow and vascular structures, facilitating more precise assessments of conditions like peripheral artery disease and other vascular abnormalities. The increasing use of ultrasound in clinical practice, driven by its portability, ease of use, and lower associated risks, contributes to the growing demand for PVA contrast media in this segment.

Product Insights

The iodinated contrast media segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 86.06% in 2024, primarily due to its widespread use in X-ray and CT angiography procedures. Iodinated contrast agents are preferred for their high imaging accuracy, rapid distribution, and effective vascular enhancement, making them ideal for detecting peripheral vascular diseases, arterial blockages, and aneurysms.

Their water-soluble nature ensures quick excretion through the kidneys, enhancing patient safety, especially with the availability of low-osmolar and iso-osmolar contrast agents, which reduce the risk of adverse reactions. In addition, the rising prevalence of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases and increasing utilization of minimally invasive diagnostic procedures have further propelled the demand for iodinated contrast media.

The microbubble segment is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Microbubble contrast agents are crucial in enhancing ultrasound imaging, enabling improved visualization of blood flow, tissue perfusion, and vascular structures. These agents offer high-quality, real-time imaging without the potential risks associated with other modalities, such as CT or MRI, making them valuable tools across various medical applications.

Microbubble contrast agents are emerging as valuable tools for enhancing vascular imaging in Peripheral Vascular Angiography (PVA), mainly through ultrasound techniques. These agents, composed of gas-filled particles encased within a stabilizing shell, significantly amplify the ultrasound signal, enabling high-quality, real-time visualization of blood vessels and tissue perfusion. This improved imaging facilitates the assessment of peripheral vascular diseases and guides subsequent treatment strategies.

End Use Insights

The hospital's end user segment dominated the Europe peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market in 2024 due to several key factors, including the high volume of angiographic procedures, advanced imaging infrastructure, and greater access to advanced diagnostic technologies. Hospitals perform many peripheral vascular angiography procedures for diagnosing and managing conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis, and atherosclerosis, requiring high-quality contrast media for enhanced imaging.

Further, hospitals have well-equipped radiology and catheterization labs, enabling the use of advanced digital subtraction angiography (DSA), CT angiography (CTA), and MR angiography (MRA) techniques that rely on contrast media for clear vascular visualization. The presence of highly skilled medical professionals, including interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, further strengthens hospitals' dominance in the market, as these specialists require contrast-enhanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

The diagnostic imaging center's end use segment is expected to witness substantial growth from 2025 to 2030 in the European peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market. The increasing incidence of peripheral vascular diseases, attributed mainly to an aging population and the rising prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, is driving demand for enhanced imaging solutions.

Advances in angiographic technologies, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and high-resolution CT and MRI angiography, are boosting the adoption of contrast media within imaging centers. Additionally, the expanding network of freestanding diagnostic facilities and the rising preference for outpatient imaging services make peripheral vascular angiography more accessible while alleviating hospital pressure. Supportive reimbursement policies, increasing healthcare investments, and ongoing improvements in diagnostic infrastructure across Europe further contribute to market growth.  

Key Europe Peripheral Vascular Angiography Contrast Media Company Insights

The industry players are focusing on launching novel products and expanding their product portfolios. Moreover, the industry participants are undergoing acquisitions to gain a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing market.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Bracco and Verasonics, Inc. strategically partnered together to enhance research in medical imaging. This collaboration will merge Verasonics' Vantage NXT Research Ultrasound Systems with Bracco's contrast agents to investigate enhanced imaging performance across various research applications. The agreement also entails joint marketing initiatives, including online content and webinars, to present the outcomes of their research efforts.

• In May 2024, Guerbet established a strategic partnership with NUCLIDIUM to drive the development of copper-based radiotheranostics, aiming to enhance precision diagnostics and targeted therapy in nuclear medicine.

• In April 2024, The Bracco Group announced it will launch its direct autonomous presence in the Japanese market starting April 2024. Bracco Japan will gradually replace Bracco Eisai, the joint venture established in 1990 and renewed twice.

Europe Peripheral Vascular Angiography Contrast Media Market Report Scope

Europe Peripheral Vascular Angiography Contrast Media Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Europe peripheral vascular angiography contrast media market report based on product, type, applications and country:

• Modality Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • CT/X-ray

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Ultrasound

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Iodinated Contrast Media

  • Gadolinium-based Contrast Media

  • Microbubble

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Diagnostic Imaging Centers

  • Research Institutes

  • Others

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Germany

  • UK

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Denmark

  • Sweden

  • Norway