Search

This article presents the results of an 18 month study on the cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting stents in patients at high or low risk of major cardiac events. To assess the value of these medical devices, the authors looked at cost of the procedure and the rate of follow-up events which were usually vessel revascularisations avoided by placement of the stents. The study found that overall costs were higher for patients with drug-eluting stents over those with bare metal stents due to the higher price of the drug-eluting stent. If used in all patients, the drug-eluting stents would not be good value for the money. They are cost effective in patients who need small vessel or bypass graft stenting but not in those who need larger vessel stenting.