Indian Heart Journal (Jan 2014)

Cost-effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in today's world

  • Giuseppe Boriani,
  • Paolo Cimaglia,
  • Mauro Biffi,
  • Cristian Martignani,
  • Matteo Ziacchi,
  • Cinzia Valzania,
  • Igor Diemberger

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2013.12.034
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 66, no. S1
pp. S101 – S104

Abstract

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The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an example of an effective intervention with high up-front costs and delayed benefits. It has become a proven and well-accepted therapy not only for secondary but also for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease. In recent years, the international guidelines have extended the indications to the prophylactic ICD, increasing the number of eligible patients and, together, the financial challenges of a widespread implementation. In this article, we review the available economic tools that can help address the ICD cost issue. We think that the awareness of such knowledge may facilitate dialogues between physicians, administrators and policy-makers, and help foster rational decision making.

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