title: Exploratory cost-effectiveness analysis of cardiac resynchronization therapy with systematic device optimization vs. standard (non-systematic) optimization: a multinational economic evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent studies provide evidence of improved clinical benefits associated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) optimization. Our analysis explores the cost-effectiveness of systematically optimized (SO, 3 times a year) vs. non-systematically optimized (NSO, less than 3 times a year) CRT, whatever the echo optimization method used (manual or SonR® automatic). A longitudinal cohort model was developed to predict clinical and economic outcomes for SO vs. NSO strategies over 5 years. The analysis was performed from the payer perspective. Data from CLEAR study post-hoc analysis was used with 199 pts with CRT pacemaker (CRT-P). The main economic outcome measure was incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) expressed as cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) gained. To assess the impact of data uncertainty, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The model also predicts outcomes for the two optimization strategies for CRT-D therapy vs. optimal medical treatment (OPT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 1 year, ICERs for SO CRT vs. NSO CRT-P range between <euro> 22,226 (Spain) and <euro> 26,977 (Italy). Therefore, on the basis of a Willingness-To-Pay of <euro>30,000 per QALY, the SO method develops into a cost effective strategy from 1 year, onwards. These favorable outcomes are supported by the sensitivity analysis. Systematic optimization of CRT-D might also improve the cost-effectiveness of this device therapy by 27 % to 30 % dependent on the country analyzed, at 5 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our economic evaluation shows promising health economic benefits associated with SO CRT. These preliminary findings need further confirmation.
authors.affiliation: OUTCOMES International Ltd, Malzgasse 9 CH- 4052, Basel, Switzerland, kurt.banz@outcomes.ch.
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Banz
authors.forename: Peter Paul
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Delnoy
authors.forename: Jean Renaud
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Billuart