Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation: A UK Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this economic analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of differential target multiplexed spinal cord stimulation (DTM-SCS) for treating chronic intractable low back pain, compared with conventional spinal cord stimulation (C-SCS) and conservative medical management (CMM), by updating and expanding the inputs for a previously published cross-industry model.

Materials And Methods: This model comprised a 12-month decision-tree phase followed by a long-term Markov model. Costs and outcomes were calculated from a UK National Health Service perspective, over a base-case horizon of 15 years and up to a maximum of 40 years.

Are Medical Device Characteristics Included in HTA Methods Guidelines and Reports? A Brief Review.

It is well accepted that medical devices (MDs) and procedures have several unique characteristics compared with pharmaceuticals, such as learning curve (LC), incremental innovation (II), dynamic pricing (DP), and organizational impact (OI). The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which these MD characteristics are routinely assessed by health technology assessment (HTA) agencies and incorporated in their guidelines and reports. Three approaches were taken.

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.

Socioeconomic effects of establishing a new stroke center in Central Switzerland.

Background: Establishment of dedicated Stroke Centers has shown to be effective on the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke, as well as mechanical thrombectomy (MTE) in acute large vessel occlusion. The cost-effectiveness of this treatment has also been proven in several countries, but so far not in Switzerland.

Methods: We compare the pathways and economic impact of patients with acute large vessel occlusions causing acute ischemic stroke before the establishment of the stroke center and MTE in 2016 with the time afterwards in the years 2016-2020.

Evolving Use of Health Technology Assessment in Medical Device Procurement-Global Systematic Review: An ISPOR Special Interest Group Report.

Objectives: To review the current academic evidence describing how data from health technology assessments (HTAs) informs procurement decisions for medical devices.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed to identify relevant studies and criteria used in medical device purchasing or procurement decisions. Included articles were screened for relevancy and risk of bias.