Optimizing Healthcare Expenditure for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Italy: The Value of Battery Longevity Improvement and a Direct-to-Implant Approach.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment for chronic intractable pain powered by an implantable pulse generator that may be rechargeable or not rechargeable (NR). It is performed in 2 stages (a trialing phase followed by permanent device implantation) and necessitates 2 hospitalizations, which may increase infection risk. This analysis explores the cost impact of improvements in battery longevity and the adoption of 1-step (direct-to-implant [DTI]) SCS implantation.

Hemodialysis patients and complications management costs in Italy: Plastic cannulae a potentially cost-effective strategy.

Background: The treatment of end-stage chronic renal failure involves substantial costs for health care, which could be higher considering hemodialysis access complications management costs. Complications could be addressed by cannulation technique, but also by the needle. In particular, the use of a metal needle for cannulation is responsible for several complications that compromise dialysis delivery and require interventions.