Cost-effectiveness analysis of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy.

Background: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become the dominant devices for mechanical circulatory support, but their cost-effectiveness is undetermined. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of continuous-flow devices for destination therapy versus optimal medical management in advanced heart failure and compared the results with previous estimates for pulsatile devices.

Methods And Results: A Markov model was developed to assess cost-effectiveness.

Temporal changes in hospital costs for left ventricular assist device implantation.

Background: A recent prospective, randomized controlled trial demonstrated that a continuous-flow (CF) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) resulted in improved survival at 12 and 24 months compared to a pulsatile-flow (PF) device. The current study examines the hospitalization costs associated with treatment of New York Heart Failure Class IV patients when implanted with a CF LVAD and compares them to previously reported costs of a PF LVAD in the same population.

Methods: Hospital billing data were analyzed for CF LVAD patients in the HeartMate II Destination Therapy trial to determine costs associated with the implantation admission.

Hospital costs for left ventricular assist devices for destination therapy: lower costs for implantation in the post-REMATCH era.

Background: The use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as an alternative to transplant, or destination therapy (end of life support), is an increasingly important option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Prior studies have examined hospital costs for LVAD implants performed during investigational studies (e.g.