Study Finds pVADs are Cost-Effective for High-Risk PCI
In the era of increasing healthcare costs, the cost-effectiveness of traditional versus emerging technologies is an ongoing consideration when evaluating long-term outcomes. A meta-analysis derived from six studies (Maini et al. 2014) determined that percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs), particularly the Impella 2.5™ heart pump, were cost effective in the setting of high-risk PCI, when compared to the IABP. “The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Impella 2.5 was below the standard willingness-to-pay threshold.”
Of the studies reviewed, Gregory et al. 2013 and Roos et al. 2013 assessed the economic benefit of the Impella 2.5 alone in high-risk PCI patients, as shown below:
Studies Evaluating the Cost Effectiveness of the Impella 2.5 device for High-Risk PCI*
| Study and Study Design | Comparators | Age (years) | Gender (% male) | Results and Conclusions |
| Gregory et al. 2013
Retrospective cost analysis plus cost utility analysis | Impella 2.5 --n=216
IABP --n=211 | 67
68 | 82
80.6 | pVAD reduced major adverse events, readmission length of stay and readmission cost over 90-days
Cost effective long term |
| Roos et al. 2013
Cost utility analysis | IABP
Impella 2.5 --USpella n=175 --Europella n=144
ECMO | NR**
70
72
NR | NR
70
81
NR | pVAD cost effective for high risk PCI compared to IABP |
* Table adapted from Tables 1 and 2, Maini et al. 2014.
**NR=not reported
The authors concluded the cost reductions associated with the Impella 2.5 makes it “a high-value technology.”
To Learn More:
- Read the original article by Maini et al. 2014
- Read the original article by Gregory et al. 2013
- Read the original article by Roos et al. 2013
To learn more about the Impella® platform of heart pumps, including important risk and safety information associated with the use of the devices, please visit: abiomed.com/important-safety-information
