The inpatient costs related to revascularization of lower extremity artery disease in terms of amputation and mortality rates

OBJECTIVE

With the initial utilization of endovascular treatment options in 1970s, the number of procedures performed for lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) both with open surgical (OS) and endovascular (EV) treatment increased, but this did not result in a decrease in the number of amputations. The burden of LEAD still constitutes a huge proportion among the health care costs over the world.

METHODS

The patients who admitted to our clinic between October 2014 and December 2019 with LEAD and required revascularization were enrolled. The total hospitalization costs related to LEAD were registered and divided into two groups as care costs and medical supplies costs.

RESULTS

181 procedures were performed to 133 patients. Mean age was 63.98 ± 11.65 and 115 (86.5%) patients were male. Mean follow-up period was 31.19 ± 17.99 months (95% CI). The most frequent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 86, 66.2%) and active smoking (n = 59, 44.4%). Total costs and medical supplies costs were increased in EV group when compared with OS group ($4347.26 ± 3352.96, $3339.28 ± 3459.53 p = .005 v.s. $3318.67 ± 2874.55,$904.42 ± 1209.97 p < .001, respectively). Care costs were increased in OS group when compared with EV group ($2434.85 ± 2641.89 v.s. $1028.56 ± 1397.77 p < .001). The highest total, medical supplies, and care costs were determined in EV + OS group ($13071.32 ± 13717; $6784.91 ± 8332.04; $6286.41 ± 7652.12, respectively).Graft/wound infection related and amputation related costs were 21% of all costs. Amputation-free survival was 71.42% (95% CI) with 21 total amputations. There were linear correlations between mortality and amputation (p = .002); also between mortality and cost (p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In mid-long-term period, the care costs are increased with OS; however, EV treatment significantly increases the medical supplies and total costs. The increase in cost is correlated with poor outcome. Although the comorbidities and risk factors of these patients lead the clinicians to perform more challenging endovascular approaches, in mid-long-term period, particularly failed endovascular procedures are not promising in terms of outcomes and costs. We consider that the best-fit therapy on time is cost-effective, life and extremity-saving either, by avoiding deleterious effects of severe ischemia, such as severe pain, tissue loss, and related major adverse cardiaovascular events.

Impact of socioeconomic disparities on major lower extremity revascularization complications

INTRODUCTION

Low socioeconomic status (SES), distance lived from hospital, and insurance status are well documented in the literature to increase the risk of post-operative morbidity and mortality for some disease processes however there is a paucity of data regarding how this association impacts patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study aimed to evaluate if SES, distance lived from hospital, and insurance status increased the risk of developing major graft failure in patients undergoing revascularization procedures for symptomatic PAD in a prospective, observation study.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational study, all patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization (endovascular or open) were included from December 2020 to February 2022. Demographic factors, insurance status, operative details, and median income and distance from hospital were documented through chart review. Complications were defined as thrombosis/occlusion of the revascularized vessel or bypass graft or infection of the distal wound or surgical incision wound. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed comparing patients that developed complications and those that did not. This project was undertaken at the Massachusetts General Hospital and was governed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB: 2020P000263) all patients agreed to participation via informed written consent prior to enrollment in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients were enrolled in the study of which 94 underwent successful revascularization procedures. Of those 94 patients, 38 (40.4%) underwent open bypass, 39 (41.5%) underwent endovascular revascularization, and 17 (18.1%) underwent a hybrid approach. There were no significant differences in post-operative outcomes between operative approaches. Twenty-five patients (28.7%) experienced major revascularization complications as defined as re-occlusion of the treated vessel/thrombosis of the bypass graft (n = 13) or development of post-operative infection (n = 12). There was no significant difference in median income ($75,295 vs $87,757, p = NS), distance lived from hospital, (27.4 miles vs. 29.7 miles, p = NS), or type of insurance (private 24% vs 26%, government 76% vs 73%, p = NS between patients that experienced complications versus those that did not have complications. These findings suggest the risk of major graft failure is independent of a patient's socioeconomic status, distance lived from hospital, or insurance type in patients undergoing revascularization procedures for PAD.

CONCLUSION

While socioeconomic factors impact access to and have a known association with negative outcomes, complications in patients with PAD appear to be independent of these factors. To mitigate the negative outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease, a focus should be on patient risk factors and modifiable medical factors that contribute to adverse outcomes.

Exploring the rapid expansion of office-based laboratories and peripheral vascular interventions across the United States

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationship between office-based laboratory (OBL) use and Medicare payments for peripheral vascular interventions (PVI).

METHODS

Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use Files from 2014 to 2017, we identified providers who performed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy. Procedures were aggregated at the provider and hospital referral region (HRR) level.

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2017, 2641 providers performed 308,247 procedures. The mean payment for OBL stent placement in 2017 was $4383.39, and mean payment for OBL atherectomy was $13,079.63. The change in the mean payment amount varied significantly, from a decrease of $16.97 in HRR 146 to an increase of $43.77 per beneficiary over the study period in HRR 11. The change in the rate of PVI also varied substantially, and moderately correlated with change in payment across HRRs (R2 = 0.40; P < .001). The majority of HRRs experienced an increase in rate of PVI within OBLs, which strongly correlated with changes in payments (R2 = 0.85; P < .001). Furthermore, 85% of the variance in change in payment was explained by increases in OBL atherectomy (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid shift into the office setting for PVIs occurred within some HRRs, which was highly geographically variable and was strongly correlated with payments. Policymakers should revisit the current payment structure for OBL use and, in particular atherectomy, to better align the policy with its intended goals.

Bench-to-Bedside in Vascular Medicine: Optimizing the Translational Pipeline for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral arterial disease is a growing worldwide problem with a wide spectrum of clinical severity and is projected to consume >$21 billion per year in the United States alone. While vascular researchers have brought several therapies to the clinic in recent years, few of these approaches have leveraged advances in high-throughput discovery screens, novel translational models, or innovative trial designs. In the following review, we discuss recent advances in unbiased genomics and broader omics technology platforms, along with preclinical vascular models designed to enhance our understanding of disease pathobiology and prioritize targets for additional investigation. Furthermore, we summarize novel approaches to clinical studies in subjects with claudication and ischemic ulceration, with an emphasis on streamlining and accelerating bench-to-bedside translation. By providing a framework designed to enhance each aspect of future clinical development programs, we hope to enrich the pipeline of therapies that may prevent loss of life and limb for those with peripheral arterial disease.

Patient and Institutional Costs of Failure of Angioplasty of the Superficial Femoral Artery

BACKGROUND

Debate surrounds the optimal management of superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Randomized trial data rarely reflect real world findings, specifically the consequences to the patient of angioplasty failure. We observed the effect of a failed SFA angioplasty on the need for repeated clinic visits, hospital readmissions, imaging requirements, and reinterventions.

METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive series of 148 patients (94 men, median age 72 years) undergoing solely SFA angioplasty over a 2-year period. Patient preangioplasty demographics and 2-year post-PTA follow-up data were collated, including hospital attendances (inpatient/outpatient), further imaging (including radiation exposure) and revascularization attempts. We defined "failed angioplasty" as presence of clinical symptoms with radiological evidence of significant restenosis after an initial successful primary SFA angioplasty.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients represented with a failed angioplasty (median time of 4 months after index PTA). In this group, failure of index angioplasty resulted in a further 185 restenosis-related clinic visits and a total of 537 bed days of inpatient stay. This group underwent a further 149 imaging events and required a further 34 endovascular revascularization procedures and 12 infrainguinal bypass procedures. These interventions and investigations corresponded to overall effective radiation dose across all patients of 190.69 mSv. Of the cohort of 99 patients who did not have a "failed angioplasty," they required 100 clinic visits, 21 further scans (total radiation dose 6.42 mSv), and 36 bed days of inpatient admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Failed angioplasty results in significant additional consequences for patients and health-care systems. Further work should focus on refining decision-making, providing the right procedure to the right patient at the right time.

Economic model to examine the cost-effectiveness of FlowOx home therapy compared to standard care in patients with peripheral artery disease

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischaemia is a severe stage of lower limb peripheral artery disease which can lead to tissue loss, gangrene, amputation and death. FlowOx™ therapy is a novel negative-pressure chamber system intended for home use to increase blood flow, reduce pain and improve wound healing for patients with peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischaemia.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed to assess the relative cost-effectiveness of FlowOx™ therapy compared to standard care in lower limb peripheral artery disease patients with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischaemia. The model used data from two European trials of FlowOx™ therapy and published evidence on disease progression. From an NHS analysis perspective, various FlowOx™ therapy scenarios were modelled by adjusting the dose of FlowOx™ therapy and the amount of other care received alongside FlowOx™ therapy, in comparison to standard care.

RESULTS

In the base case analysis, consisting of FlowOx™ therapy plus nominal care, the cost estimates were £12,704 for a single dose of FlowOx™ therapy per annum as compared with £15,523 for standard care. FlowOx™ therapy patients gained 0.27 additional quality adjusted life years compared to standard care patients. This equated to a dominant incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per QALY gained. At the NICE threshold WTP of £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY gained, FlowOx™ therapy in addition to standard care had a 0.80 and 1.00 probability of being cost-effectiveness respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

FlowOx™ therapy delivered as a single annual dose may be a cost-effective treatment for peripheral artery disease. FlowOx™ therapy improved health outcomes and reduced treatment costs in this modelled cohort. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of FlowOx™ therapy is susceptible to disease severity, adherence, dose and treatment cost. Research assessing the impact of FlowOx™ therapy on NHS resource use is needed in order to provide a definitive economic evaluation.

Immediate postoperative hyperglycemia after peripheral arterial bypass is associated with short-term and long-term poor outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Although the impact of poorly controlled diabetes on surgical outcomes of patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization is well-known, it is not clear if immediate postoperative hyperglycemia (IPH) itself can be used as a surrogate for poor outcomes after peripheral arterial bypass. We sought to examine the effect of IPH in this patient population with its impact on short-term and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective review was completed for 505 patients who underwent either suprainguinal bypass surgery or infrainguinal bypass surgery between July 2002 and April 2018 for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. All patients were undergoing first-time open bypass grafting. Patients were stratified into those who were normoglycemic or hyperglycemic (glucose ≥ 140 mg/dL) within 24 hours after surgery. A comparative analysis was performed on comorbidities and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 505 patients who underwent bypass grafting, 255 patients (50.5%) were hyperglycemic. The mean age of patients was 63.5 ± 14.1 years. The median follow-up was 5.2 years (range, 0.0-15.2 years). The distribution of procedures was as follows: femoral to popliteal bypasses (29%), femoral to femoral bypasses (17%), femoral to tibial bypasses (12%), aortobifemoral bypasses (10%), iliofemoral bypasses (9%), and axillofemoral bypasses (7%). At 30 days, hyperglycemic patients had an increased incidence of limb loss (8.3% vs 4.0%) and myocardial infarction (4.8% vs 0.8%) and incurred higher costs of hospital stay ($27,701 vs $22,990) (all P < .05). At 10 years, these patients had a higher incidence of needing major amputations (15.4% vs 9.4%; P = .025). Hyperglycemia after infrainguinal bypass was associated with nearly twice the risk of limb loss at 5 years (hazard ratio, 1.91; P = .034). Among the cohort of patients who required major amputations, the time duration between index revascularization and amputation was significantly shorter as compared with normoglycemic patients (P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-institution study with long-term follow-up, IPH was associated with increased rates of 30-day amputation and myocardial infarction, as well as an increased cost of hospital stay. In the long term, postoperative hyperglycemia was associated with greater major limb loss. Among the cohort of patients who required major amputations, the time period between revascularization and amputation was shorter for those patients who had IPH. IPH is an independent marker for poor outcomes after lower extremity revascularization procedures.

Economic burden of coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease in patients at high risk of ischemic events in the French setting: a claims database analysis

Aims: Estimate the direct costs of high-risk patients presenting with coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) in France.Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study used a representative claims database, the "Echantillon Généraliste de Bénéficiaires" (EGB), to identify patients presenting with CAD or PAD between 2011 and 2016. Among those, patients meeting the COMPASS trial selection criteria were selected, as well as controls matched on age and sex. Direct costs (Euros 2016) were estimated in a societal perspective by comparing case and controls.Results: The adult population presenting with CAD or PAD in the EGB in 2016 was estimated at 29,888 individuals, representing a crude prevalence rate of 5.44%. After using the documented selection criteria of the COMPASS study, this population (COMPASS-like) was estimated at 17,369 individuals (58.1% of the CAD and/or PAD total population). Among them, a proportion of 11.5% presented with CAD + PAD. Compared with the original COMPASS population, patients were older (76.5 vs 68.2 years) and with a lower male predominance (60.0% vs 78.2% males). Compared with controls, the COMPASS-like population was characterized by a higher annual mortality (5.9% vs 3.5%) and the presence of more comorbidities on top of CAD and/or PAD. The annual per capita extra direct cost of the COMPASS-like population was estimated at €4,284, with a main contribution from inpatient care (58.9%). This extra cost was higher in the PAD ± CAD sub-group (€5,552) and the CAD + PAD sub-group (€8,067).Limitations: The EGB had limitations about several clinical features defining high-risk patients that may lead to bias in our estimates.Conclusions: Due to the high prevalence of CAD and/or PAD and the associated high unit costs, this population generates a significant economic burden, which is higher among patients with PAD and in those presenting simultaneously with both conditions.

Race and socioeconomic differences associated with endovascular peripheral vascular interventions for newly diagnosed claudication

BACKGROUND

Despite guidelines cautioning against the use of endovascular peripheral vascular interventions (PVI) for claudication, more than 1.3 million PVI procedures are performed annually in the United States. We aimed to describe national rates of PVI for claudication, and identify patient and county-level risk factors associated with a high rate of PVI.

METHODS

We used the Medicare claims database to identify all Medicare beneficiaries with a new diagnosis of claudication between January 2015 and June 2017. A hierarchical logistic regression model accounting for patient age, sex, comorbidities; county region and setting; and a patient race-county median income interaction was used to assess the associations of race and income with a high PVI rate.

RESULTS

We identified 1,201,234 patients with a new diagnosis of claudication for analysis. Of these, 15,227 (1.27%) underwent a PVI. Based on hierarchical logistic regression accounting for patient and county-level factors, black patients residing in low-income counties had a significantly higher odds of undergoing PVI than their white counterparts (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-1.40), whereas the odds of PVI for black versus white patients was similar in high-income counties (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14). PVI rates were higher for low versus high-income counties in both the black (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.31-1.64) and white (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.27) groups. There were no significant associations of Hispanic, Asian, North American native, or other races with PVI in either low- or high-income counties after risk adjustment (all P ≥ .09).

CONCLUSIONS

In the Medicare population, the mean rate of PVI of 12.7 per 1000 claudication patients varies significantly based on race and income. Our data suggest there are racial and socioeconomic differences in the treatment of claudication across the United States.

Burden of Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Atherothrombotic disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), can lead to cardiovascular (CV) events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, limb ischemia, heart failure, and CV death.

AIM

Evaluate the humanistic and economic burden of CAD and PAD and identify unmet needs through a comprehensive literature review.

METHODS

Relevant search terms were applied across online publication databases. Studies published between January 2010 and August 2017 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected; guidelines were also included. Two rounds of screening were applied to select studies of relevance.

RESULTS

Worldwide data showed approximately 5-8% prevalence of CAD and 10-20% prevalence of PAD, dependent on the study design, average age, gender, and geographical location. Data from the REACH registry indicated that 18-35% of patients with CAD and 46-68% of patients with PAD had disease in one or more vascular beds. Use of medication to control modifiable CV risk factors was variable by country (lower in France than in Canada); statins and aspirin were the most widely used therapies in patients with chronic disease. Survival rates have improved with medical advancements, but there is an additional need to improve the humanistic burden of disease (i.e., associated disability and quality of life). The economic burden of atherothrombotic disease is high and expected to increase with increased survival and the aging population.

CONCLUSION

CAD and PAD represent a substantial humanistic and economic burden worldwide, highlighting a need for new interventions to reduce the incidence of atherothrombotic disease.

Comparison of Outcomes and Cost of Endovascular Management Versus Surgical Bypass for the Management of Lower Extremities Peripheral Arterial Disease

The management of lower extremities peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD) has always been debatable. We sought to explore in-hospital outcomes in hospitalizations that underwent endovascular or bypass surgery for LE-PAD from nation's largest, publicly available database. The National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2014 was queried to identify adult hospitalizations underwent endovascular management and bypass surgery for LE-PAD. Appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedural codes were utilized to identify hospitalizations. A total of 89,256 hospitalizations were identified having endovascular management or bypass surgery for LE-PAD. More hospitalizations underwent endovascular intervention as compared with bypass surgery. Overall, hospitalizations for endovascular management had higher baseline co-morbidities and older age. A propensity score matched analysis was performed to compare in-hospital outcomes. After matching, 28,791 hospitalizations were included in each group. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower with endovascular intervention procedure as compared with surgical bypass group (1.5% vs 2.5%, p ≤0.001). All other secondary outcomes were noted lower with endovascular management except stroke and postprocedural infection. Taken together, these may account for higher discharges to home, lower length of stay, and less cost of hospitalizations associated with endovascular management. In conclusion, endovascular management is associated with lower in-hospital morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and cost when compared with bypass surgery in this study.

Determinants of Long-Term Outcomes and Costs in the Management of Critical Limb Ischemia: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background The optimal treatment for critical limb ischemia remains controversial owing to conflicting conclusions from previous studies. Methods and Results We obtained administrative claims on Medicare beneficiaries with initial critical limb ischemia diagnosis in 2011. Clinical outcomes and healthcare costs over 4 years were estimated among all patients and by first treatment (endovascular revascularization, surgical revascularization, or major amputation) in unmatched and propensity-score-matched samples. Among 72 199 patients with initial primary critical limb ischemia diagnosis in 2011, survival was 46% (median survival, 3.5 years) and freedom from major amputation was 87%. Among 9942 propensity-score-matched patients (8% rest pain, 26% ulcer, and 66% gangrene), survival was 38% with endovascular revascularization (median survival, 2.7 years), 40% with surgical revascularization (median survival, 2.9 years), and 23% with major amputation (median survival, 1.3 years; P<0.001 for each revascularization procedure versus major amputation). Corresponding major amputation rates were 6.5%, 9.6%, and 10.6%, respectively ( P<0.001 for all pair-wise comparisons). The cost per patient year during follow-up was $49 700, $49 200, and $55 700, respectively ( P<0.001 for each revascularization procedure versus major amputation). Conclusions Long-term survival and cost in critical limb ischemia management is comparable between revascularization techniques, with lower major amputation rates following endovascular revascularization. Primary major amputation results in shorter survival, higher risk of subsequent major amputation, and higher healthcare costs versus revascularization. Results from this observational research may be susceptible to bias because of the influence of unmeasured confounders.

Comparison of the Cost of Drug-Eluting Stents versus Bare Metal Stents in the Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia in the United States

BACKGROUND

Despite significant technical advancement in the last decade, the durability of endovascular management of critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains highly debatable. Drug-eluting stents (DESs) are being popularized for the management of CLI after its precedent success in coronary intervention. Initial reports on the durability of DES are promising. However, little is known on the additional cost of this relatively newer technology. The aim of this study is to compare the cost of the traditional bare metal stents (BMSs) to the newly introduced DES in a large cohort of CLI patients.

METHODS

Using the Premier database (2009-2015), we identified all patients with CLI undergoing DES and BMS. A multivariable generalized linear model was implemented to examine in-hospital cost adjusting for patients' characteristics, comorbidities, and regional characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 20,702 patients with CLI underwent peripheral artery revascularization using BMS (18,924 [91.41%]) or DES (1,778 [8.6%]). Majority of patients were males (53%) and whites (71%). Patients undergoing BMS were slightly younger (median age [interquartile range]: 70 [62-79] versus 71 [63-80]) and were more likely to be smokers (46% vs. 39%) and have a history of cerebrovascular disease (10% vs. 8%) and chronic pulmonary disease (24.5% vs. 20.9%) as compared with those undergoing DES (all P < 0.05). On the other hand, DES patients had a high prevalence of diabetes (4% vs. 3%) and renal disease (25% vs. 22%) (both P < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in the proportion of patients undergoing DES and a corresponding decrease in BMS (P < 0.001) over the study period. Median total in-hospitalization cost (BMS: $13,342 [8,574 to 21,166], DES: $13,243 [8,560-20,232], P = 0.76) was similar for both approaches. After adjusting for potential confounders, DES was associated with $407 higher cost than BMS (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval]: 407 [17 to 798], P = 0.04). In addition, the cost was $672 higher in teaching hospitals, $1,153 higher in Rural areas, and increased in all regions compared with the Midwest (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval]-South: $293 [31 to 555], Northeast: $2,006 [1,517 to 2,495], West: $3,312 [2,930 to 3,695], all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of CLI patients, after controlling for potential confounders, we demonstrated that the cost of endovascular revascularization is significantly higher in patients undergoing DES than those undergoing BMS. Regional disparities in cost were also observed. Further studies looking at the long-term durability and costs of DES versus BMS are needed.

The relationship between medical expenses and the severity of peripheral arterial disease in Japan

The main objective is to examine whether the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects the expenses and hospital stay of the patients who undergo bypass surgery below the inguinal ligament for PAD. Eighty consecutive patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery for PAD between January 2012 and December 2014 were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups according to their critical limb ischemia (CLI) symptoms and the Wound, Ischemia, and Foot Infection (WIfI) classification. As endpoints, we assessed the duration of postoperative hospital stay and expenses during hospitalization. CLI was a significant factor for longer hospital stay and increased medical expenses (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001). In the patients with CLI, significant factors for longer hospital stay and increased medical expenses were (1) history of distal bypass (p = 0.33 and p = 0.003, respectively) and stage 4 local lower limb status in WIfI classification (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.053). PAD severity was associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay and increased medical expenses. The presence or absence of CLI and its severity according to the WIfI classification correlated with medical expenses and hospital stay duration between the milder and severe groups.

Risk of major amputation or death among patients with critical limb ischemia initially treated with endovascular intervention, surgical bypass, minor amputation, or conservative management

AIMS

Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have an increased risk of major amputation. The initial treatment approach for CLI may significantly impact the subsequent risk of major amputation or death. The objective of this study was to describe the initial treatment approaches of patients with CLI and the limb outcomes associated with each approach.

METHODS

Data from MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases from January 2006-December 2014 was utilized. Cohorts of CLI patients were defined as follows: (1) peripheral vascular intervention (PVI); (2) peripheral vascular surgery (PVS); (3) minor amputation without concomitant PVI or PVS (MinAMP); and (4) Patients without PVI, PVS, or MinAMP (conservative therapy). The odds of major amputation or inpatient death were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. For those patients requiring a major amputation, the incremental expenditures per member per month (PMPM) were estimated using a gamma log-link model.

RESULTS

Conservative therapy was associated with significantly higher odds of major amputation or inpatient death compared to patients who underwent minor amputation (1.59-times), PVI (2.08-times), or PVS (2.12-times). Patients treated with an initial strategy of minor amputation also had higher odds of major amputation or inpatient death compared to PVS (1.31-times) or PVI (1.33-times). The estimated incremental expenditures PMPM for patients with a major amputation was $5,165.

CONCLUSIONS

Revascularization reduces the risk of a major amputation or inpatient death for patients with CLI when compared to conservative therapy. Major amputation is also associated with significantly higher healthcare expenditures.

Treating Peripheral Artery Disease in the Wake of Rising Costs and Protracted Length of Stay

BACKGROUND

There has been growing scrutiny in the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease due to the utilization of resources to manage this complex patient population. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS > 7 days) following lower extremity bypass using data from the Vascular Quality Initiative as well as to define the additional costs incurred due to prolonged LOS in our health system.

METHODS

Summary statistics were performed of patients undergoing lower extremity bypass from 2010 to 2015. Student's t-tests and χ² tests were performed to compare those with and without prolonged LOS. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed to determine the independent predictors for increased LOS. We then compared our institutional LOS with that of representative institutions from the University Health System Consortium and evaluated the impact of prolonged LOS on limb salvage and survival.

RESULTS

This study included 334 patients with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.4 years, 64.7% males, 58.5% of white race, 11.1% on dialysis, 80.5% smokers, and 53.6% with diabetes. The mean LOS was 15.7 ± 12.2 days. Prolonged LOS was associated with transfer (15.4% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.001), diabetes (58.3% vs. 40.2%, P = 0.004), critical limb ischemia (71.3% vs. 49.4%, P < 0.001), preoperative need for ambulatory assistance (44.5% vs. 16.1%, P < 0.001), prior ipsilateral bypass (6.9% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.042), urgent surgery (39.7% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001), tibial or distal target vessel (52.7% vs. 28.0%, P < 0.001), use of vein (65.4% vs. 46.3%, P = 0.002), return to operating room (42.6% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001), ambulatory assistance (65.0% vs. 34.1%, P < 0.001) as well as discharge anticoagulant (22.8% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.010). Multivariable logistic regression identified urgency (odds ratio [OR] = 5.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.16-12.02, P < 0.001), critical limb ischemia (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.65-5.90, P < 0.001), return to OR (OR = 40.30, 95% CI 5.36-303.20, P < 0.001), use of vein (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.18-4.07, P = 0.013), and the need for anticoagulation at discharge (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.03-6.33, P = 0.043) as independent predictors of LOS > 7 days. Prolonged hospital stays accounted for an additional $40,561.64 in total cost and $26,028 in direct costs incurred. Despite these increased costs, limb salvage and overall survival were not adversely impacted in the prolonged LOS group in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower extremity bypass is associated with a longer than expected LOS in our health system, much of which can be attributed to return to the OR for minor amputations and wound issues. This led to added total and direct costs, where the majority of this increase was attributable to prolonged LOS. Limb salvage and overall survival were preserved, however, in this subset of patients in follow-up. These findings suggest that lower extremity bypass patients are a resource-intensive population of patients, but that these costs are worthwhile in the setting of preserved limb salvage and overall survival.

Exercise training for intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to provide an overview of evidence regarding exercise therapies for patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

This manuscript summarizes the content of a lecture delivered as part of the 2016 Crawford Critical Issues Symposium.

RESULTS

Multiple randomized clinical trials demonstrate that supervised treadmill exercise significantly improves treadmill walking performance in people with PAD and intermittent claudication symptoms. A meta-analysis of 25 randomized trials demonstrated a 180-meter increase in treadmill walking distance in response to supervised exercise interventions compared with a nonexercising control group. Supervised treadmill exercise has been inaccessible to many patients with PAD because of lack of medical insurance coverage. However, in 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a decision memorandum to support health insurance coverage of 12 weeks of supervised treadmill exercise for patients with walking impairment due to PAD. Recent evidence also supports home-based walking exercise to improve walking performance in people with PAD. Effective home-exercise programs incorporate behavioral change interventions such as a remote coach, goal setting, and self-monitoring. Supervised treadmill exercise programs preferentially improve treadmill walking performance, whereas home-based walking exercise programs preferentially improve corridor walking, such as the 6-minute walk test. Clinical trial evidence also supports arm or leg ergometry exercise to improve walking endurance in people with PAD. Treadmill walking exercise appears superior to resistance training alone for improving walking endurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Supervised treadmill exercise significantly improves treadmill walking performance in people with PAD by approximately 180 meters compared with no exercise. Recent evidence suggests that home-based exercise is also effective and preferentially improves over-ground walking performance, such as the 6-minute walk test.

Estimated annual health care expenditures in individuals with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

The clinical impact of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is well characterized and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Health care-related expenditures among individuals with PAD, particularly for patients, are not well described.

METHODS

Health care-related expenditure data from the 2011 to 2014 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were analyzed for individuals with a diagnosis of PAD compared with U.S. adults 40 years of age and older. Weighted average annual expenditures were estimated using a multivariable generalized linear model. Subanalyses were also performed for out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures by insurance type.

RESULTS

Adjusted for age, gender, and race, individuals with a diagnosis of PAD (weighted n = 640,098) had significantly higher average annual health care-related expenditures compared with the U.S. adult population as a whole (weighted n = 148,387,362). Average annual expenditures per individual for patients with PAD were $11,553 (95% confidence interval [CI], $8137-$14,968) compared with only $4219 (95% CI, $4064-$4375; P < .001) for those without. Expenditures were driven by increased prescription medication expenditures as well as by expenditures for inpatient care, outpatient hospital-based care, and outpatient office-based care. Individuals with PAD had significantly higher OOP prescription medication expenditures ($386 [95% CI, $258-$515] vs $192 [95% CI, $183-$202]; P = .003), which varied by insurance type, ranging from $179 (95% CI, $70-$288) for those with Medicare to $1196 (95% CI, $106-$2244) for those without insurance, although this difference did not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a diagnosis of PAD have higher health care-related expenditures and OOP expenses compared with other US adults. These expenditures compound lost wages, care by family members, and lost opportunity costs, increasing the burden carried by patients with PAD.

Cost-utility analysis comparing laparoscopic vs open aortobifemoral bypass surgery

OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass has become an established treatment option for symptomatic aortoiliac obstructive disease at dedicated centers. Minimally invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopic surgery have often been shown to reduce expenses and increase patients' health-related quality of life. The main objective of our study was to measure quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs after totally laparoscopic and open aortobifemoral bypass.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a within trial analysis in a larger ongoing randomized controlled prospective multicenter trial, Norwegian Laparoscopic Aortic Surgery Trial. Fifty consecutive patients suffering from symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease suitable for aortobifemoral bypass surgery were randomized to either totally laparoscopic (n=25) or open surgical procedure (n=25). One patient dropped out of the study before surgery. We measured health-related quality of life using the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire at 4 different time points, before surgery and for 6 months during follow-up. We calculated the QALYs gained by using the area under the curve for both groups. Costs were calculated based on prices for surgical equipment, vascular prosthesis and hospital stay.

RESULTS

We found a significantly higher increase in QALYs after laparoscopic vs open aortobifemoral bypass surgery, with a difference of 0.07 QALYs, (p=0.001) in favor of laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass. The total cost of surgery, equipment and hospital stay after laparoscopic surgery (9,953 €) was less than open surgery (17,260 €), (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass seems to be cost-effective compared with open surgery, due to an increase in QALYs and lower procedure-related costs.

New devices to cross chronic total occlusion in critical limb ischemia

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) represent a technically demanding subset of lesions, which in most cases require special endovascular methods, advanced operator skills, and utilization of sophisticated assisting devices for successful treatment. CTO crossing devices offer an additional option to interventionists in the treatment of challenging lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusions. These devices may improve crossing rates, allowing delivery of therapeutic devices to the target lesion. Initial technical results seem quite promising, although adequate data on patient and device selection are lacking. Until long-term clinical data verify the durability of those techniques, these devices must be used in a stepwise fashion in selected patients with CLI.

Economic Impact of Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Those With and Without Established Cardiovascular Disease: 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has an established favorable impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and quality of life. In this study, we aimed to estimate the economic effect of moderate-vigorous PA on medical expenditures and utilization from a nationally representative cohort with and without CVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data were analyzed. Our study population was limited to noninstitutionalized US adults ≥18 years of age. Variables of interest included CVD (coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, dysrhythmias, or peripheral artery disease) and cardiovascular modifiable risk factors (CRFs; hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and/or obesity). Two-part econometric models were utilized to study cost data; a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and link log was used to assess expenditures per capita. The final study sample included 26 239 surveyed individuals. Overall, 47% engaged in moderate-vigorous PA ≥30 minutes, ≥5 days/week, translating to 111.5 million adults in the United States stratifying by CVD status; 32% reported moderate-vigorous PA among those with CVD versus 49% without CVD. Generally, participants reporting moderate-vigorous PA incurred significantly lower health care expenditures and resource utilization, displaying a step-wise lower total annual health care expenditure as moving from CVD to non-CVD (and each CRF category).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-vigorous PA ≥30 minutes, ≥5 days/week is associated with significantly lower health care spending and resource utilization among individuals with and without established CVD.

Drug-coated balloons are replacing the need for nitinol stents in the superficial femoral artery

Amassed evidence from several randomized controlled trials and high quality meta-analyses clearly support the primary use of paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) in the superficial femoral artery over traditional plain balloon angioplasty or primary bare nitinol stenting with significantly lower vascular restenosis, less need for repeat procedures, improved quality of life and potential cost savings for the healthcare system. Stents may be reserved for bail-out in case of a suboptimal dilatation result, and for selected more complex lesions, or in case of critical limb ischemia in order to eliminate vessel recoil and maximize immediate hemodynamic gain. Debulking atherectomy remains unproven, but holds a lot of promise in particular in combination with PCBs, in order to improve compliance of the vessel wall by plaque removal, allow for a better angioplasty result and optimize drug transfer and bioavailability. The present overview summarizes and discusses current evidence about femoropopliteal PCB angioplasty compared to the historical standard of plain old balloon angioplasty and bare nitinol stents. Available evidence is appraised in the context of clinically meaningful results, relevant unresolved issues are highlighted, and future trends are discussed.

Economic analysis of endovascular drug-eluting treatments for femoropopliteal artery disease in the UK

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the clinical and economic impact of drug-eluting endovascular treatment strategies for femoropopliteal artery disease compared with current standard of care.

DESIGN

Systematic literature search to pool target lesion revascularisations (TLR). Model-based per-patient cost impact and quasi-cost-effectiveness projection over 24 months based on pooled TLRs and current reimbursement.

SETTING

The UK's National Health Service (NHS).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients presenting with symptomatic femoropopliteal disease eligible for endovascular treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline-recommended treatment with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) and bailout bare metal stenting (BMS) versus primary BMS placement, or drug-coated balloon (DCB), or drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

24-month per-patient cost impact to NHS (primary outcome).

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

pooled 24-month TLR rates; numbers needed to treat (NNTs); cost per TLR avoided and estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in £ per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

RESULTS

N=28 studies were identified, reporting on 5167 femoropopliteal lesions. Over 24 months, DCB, DES and BMS reduced TLRs of de novo lesions from 36.2% to 17.6%, 19.4% and 26.9%, respectively, at an increased cost of £43, £44 and £112. NNTs to avoid 1 TLR in 24 months were 5.4, 6.0 and 10.8, resulting in cost per TLR avoided of £231, £264 and £1204. DCB was estimated to add 0.011 QALYs, DES 0.010 QALYs and BMS 0.005 QALYs, resulting in estimated ICERs of £3983, £4534 and £20 719 per QALY gained. A subset analysis revealed more favourable clinical and economic outcomes for a 3.5 µg/mm(2) DCB with urea excipient, compared with the rest of DCBs. A modest reduction of 10% in DCB and DES prices made drug-eluting treatments dominant.

CONCLUSIONS

Widespread adoption of drug-eluting endovascular therapies for femoropopliteal disease would add meaningful clinical benefit at reasonable additional costs to the NHS. Based on currently available data, DCBs offer the highest clinical and economic value.

Impact of Expanded Insurance Coverage on Racial Disparities in Vascular Disease: Insights From Massachusetts

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of health insurance expansion on racial disparities in severity of peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND

Lack of insurance and non-white race are associated with increased severity, increased amputation rates, and decreased revascularization rates in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Little is known about how expanded insurance coverage affects disparities in presentation with and management of PAD. The 2006 Massachusetts health reform expanded coverage to 98% of residents and provided the framework for the Affordable Care Act.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of nonelderly, white and non-white patients admitted with PAD in Massachusetts (MA) and 4 control states. Risk-adjusted difference-in-differences models were used to evaluate changes in probability of presenting with severe disease. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate disparities in disease severity before and after the 2006 health insurance expansion.

RESULTS

Before the 2006 MA insurance expansion, non-white patients in both MA and control states had a 12 to 13 percentage-point higher probability of presenting with severe disease (P < 0.001) than white patients. After the expansion, measured disparities in disease severity by patient race were no longer statistically significant in Massachusetts (+3.0 percentage-point difference, P = 0.385) whereas disparities persisted in control states (+10.0 percentage-point difference, P < 0.001). Overall, non-white patients in MA had an 11.2 percentage-point decreased probability of severe PAD (P = 0.042) relative to concurrent trends in control states.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2006 Massachusetts insurance expansion was associated with a decreased probability of patients presenting with severe PAD and resolution of measured racial disparities in severe PAD in MA.

Paclitaxel Drug-Eluting Stents in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Health Technology Assessment

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition in which atherosclerotic plaques partially or completely block blood flow to the legs. Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and metallic stenting have high immediate success rates in treating peripheral arterial disease, long-term patency and restenosis rates in long and complex lesions remain unsatisfactory.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact of Zilver paclitaxel self-expanding drug-eluting stents for the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions in above-the-knee peripheral arterial disease.

DATA SOURCES

Literature searches were performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid Embase, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and EBM Reviews. For the economic review, a search filter was applied to limit search results to economics-related literature. Data sources for the budget impact analysis included expert opinion, published literature, and Ontario administrative data.

REVIEW METHODS

Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were included in the clinical effectiveness review, and full economic evaluations were included in the economic literature review. Studies were included if they examined the effect of Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents in de novo or restenotic lesions in above-the-knee arteries. For the budget impact analysis, 3 scenarios were constructed based on different assumptions.

RESULTS

One randomized controlled trial reported a significantly higher patency rate with Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents for lesions ≤ 14 cm than with angioplasty or bare metal stents. One observational study showed no difference in patency rates between Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents and paclitaxel drug-coated balloons. Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents were associated with a significantly higher event-free survival rate than angioplasty, but the event-free survival rate was similar for Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents and paclitaxel drug-coated balloons. No economic evaluations compared Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents with bare metal stents or angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease. A budget impact analysis showed that the cost savings associated with funding of Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents would be $470,000 to $640,000 per year, assuming that the use of the Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stent was associated with a lower risk of subsequent revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on evidence of low to moderate quality, Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents were associated with a higher patency rate than angioplasty or bare metal stents, and with fewer adverse events than angioplasty. The effectiveness and safety of Zilver paclitaxel drug-eluting stents and paclitaxel drug-coated balloons were similar.

Socioeconomic inequality and peripheral artery disease prevalence in US adults

BACKGROUND

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine whether there is a higher prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004. PAD was defined based on an ankle.brachial index .0.90. Measures of socioeconomic status included poverty.income ratio,a ratio of self-reported income relative to the poverty line, and attained education level. Of 6791 eligible participants,overall weighted prevalence of PAD was 5.8% (SE, 0.3). PAD prevalence was significantly higher in individuals with low income and lower education. Individuals in the lowest of the 6 poverty.income ratio categories had more than a2-fold increased odds of PAD compared with those in the highest poverty-income ratio category (odds ratio, 2.69; 95%confidence interval, 1.80.4.03; P<0.0001). This association remained significant even after multivariable adjustment(odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.04.2.6; P=0.034). Lower attained education level also associated with higher PAD prevalence (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.96.4.0; P<0.0001) but was no longer significant after multivariable adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Low income and lower attained education level are associated with PAD in US adults. These data suggest that individuals of lower socioeconomic status remain at high risk and highlight the need for education and advocacy efforts focused on these at-risk populations.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs in working-age patients with high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: findings from a multi-employer claims database

OBJECTIVE

Patients with coronary artery disease with diabetes, a history of acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease, or peripheral arterial disease are at particularly high risk for a cardiovascular (CV) event and can be defined as having high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The objective of this study is to examine healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and total healthcare costs (THC) for patients with ASCVD in a commercially insured population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large, US employer-based, claims database. Patients with an ASCVD diagnosis between October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009 who met eligibility requirements were included. All-cause and ASCVD-related HRU and THC for the first and second year of follow-up were examined for all patients and by the number of arterial beds affected. Adjusted THC were compared across groups with and without polyvascular disease.

RESULTS

The analysis included 152,290 patients with ASCVD. Use of CV-related medications, hospitalizations, and office visits were highest among patients with three arterial beds affected. Mean all-cause THC for patients with ASCVD were ∼$19,000 per patient in Year 1 or Year 2, with medical costs as the main driver. ASCVD-related THC were also similar for Year 1 ($8699) and Year 2 ($7925) across all patients. Adjusted all-cause and ASCVD-related THC for both years were greatest for patients with three affected arterial beds compared with one or two affected beds (p < 0.001 for each comparison).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in a managed care setting to systematically estimate all-cause and ASCVD-related THC for an aggregated population of ASCVD patients at high risk for a CV event. The economic burden of ASCVD in working-age patients in the US is substantial. Significantly higher HRU and costs were found in patients with polyvascular disease compared with those with only one affected bed.

Contemporary management of critical lower limb ischemia in TASC D lesions with subintimal angioplasty in femoro-popliteal lesions, tibial angioplasty and sequential compression biomechanical device for infra-inguinal arterial occlusion. Experience and quality of life outcome learned over 25 years

AIM

Patients with end-stage critical limb ischemia (CLI) survive on borrowed time and amputation is inevitable if an aggressive management stratagem is not instigated. Our primary aim was to equate effectiveness of subintimal angioplasty (SIA) and tibial balloon angioplasty (TBA) in sustaining clinical improvement and amputation free survival (AFS) in patients with CLI TASD II D. Moreover, patients with severe CLI, who were not suitable for revascularization and who were offered therapy with a sequential compression biomechanical device (SCBD) were scrutinised as part of a comprehensive lower limb salvage program.

METHODS

From 2002-2012, 5876 patients were referred with peripheral vascular disease (PVD); 987 presented with CLI and 798 had intervention; 189 patients presenting with CLI were not candidates for revascularisation, out of which 171 were offered SCBD. We formed a prospective observational group study of 441 patient who had TASC D disease. All of these patients presented as emergencies and were allocated to the next available treatment list. Duplex ultrasound arterial mapping (DUAM) was the sole preoperative investigation tool in 92% of all cases. Of the 441 patients studied, 190 patients (206 procedures) has SIA for TASC D femero-popliteal occlusions, 80 patients (89 procedures) had TBA and cool eximer laser angioplasty (CELA) for tibial artery occlusions and 171 patients with severe CLI were not suitable for revascularization and joined the SCBD program. Mean age (SIA 73±13 years vs. TBA/CELA 74±8 years vs. SCBD 75±13 years), and comorbidity severity scores (P>0.05) were similar between groups.

RESULTS

Perioperative mortality within the SIA group was 1.6% vs. 0% within the TBA group and 0.6% in SCBD. Length of hospital stay within the TBA group was 3.8±2 days vs. SIA 14±16 days, P<0.0001. The 5-year freedom from major adverse events (MAE) for the SIA group was 68% that was comparable to the results obtained for both the TBA group; 59%, and SCBD group: 62.5% (P=0.1935). Five-year freedom from target lesion revascularization was 85.9% within the SIA group and 79% within the TBA group. A sustained clinical improvement was seen in 82.8% of primary SIA and 68% of TBA, which mimics the outcome of SCBD at 68% at one year. A total of 83% SCBD patients had no rest pain within one week of starting the program and gangrene remained dry and non-progressive. Ulceration healed in all but 12 patients. There were no device-related complications. Limb salvage was 94% at 5 years. All-cause survival was 69%. Quality time spent without symptoms of disease or toxicity of treatment (Q-TWiST) was 24.7 months for SIA and 8.5 months for TBA and was 38.13 for SCBD for a total of 708 months of usage. Cost per quality adjusted-life years (QALY) for SIA was € 5662.79, € 12,935.18 for TBA and € 2943.56 for SCBD.

CONCLUSION

All treatment pathways augmented patient-specific Q-TWiST with substantial cost reduction. SIA, TBA and SCBD expand AFS and symptom-free survival. All treatment modalities are minimally invasive and allow for a high patient turnover without compromising limb salvage, once they are performed by experienced vascular surgeons in high deliberate practice volume centers.

Cost-effectiveness of supervised exercise, stenting, and optimal medical care for claudication: results from the Claudication: Exercise Versus Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) trial

BACKGROUND

Both supervised exercise (SE) and stenting (ST) improve functional status, symptoms, and quality of life compared with optimal medical care (OMC) in patients with claudication. The relative cost-effectiveness of these strategies is not well defined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Claudication: Exercise Versus Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study randomized patients with claudication due to aortoiliac stenosis to a 6-month SE program, to ST, or to OMC. Participants who completed 6-month follow-up (n=98) were included in a health economic analysis through 18 months. Costs were assessed using resource-based methods and hospital billing data. Quality-adjusted life-years were estimated using the EQ-5D. Markov modeling based on the in-trial results was used to explore the impact of assumptions about the longer term durability of observed differences in quality of life. Through 18 months, mean healthcare costs were $5178, $9804, and $14 590 per patient for OMC, SE, and ST, respectively. Measured quality-adjusted life-years through 18 months were 1.04, 1.16, and 1.20. In our base case analysis, which assumed that observed differences in quality of life would dissipate after 5 years, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $24 070 per quality-adjusted life-year gained for SE versus OMC, $41 376 for ST versus OMC, and $122 600 for ST versus SE. If the treatment effect of ST was assumed to be more durable than that of SE, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for ST versus SE became more favorable.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SE and ST are economically attractive by US standards relative to OMC for the treatment of claudication in patients with aortoiliac disease. ST is more expensive than SE, with uncertain incremental benefit.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL

www.clinicaltrials.gov, Unique identifier: NCT00132743.

Prime time for drug eluting balloons in SFA interventions?

Peripheral arterial disease most commonly affects the femoropopliteal segment. Despite enormous improvements in device and treatment technology the long-term patency rate and clinical benefit of endovascular treatment in the respective vascular bed is not satisfying. Drug coated balloon technology as a treatment option in femoropopliteal disease has shown encouraging results in first-in-man trials, which have now been proven in large randomized controlled trials.

Socioeconomic deprivation does not affect prescribing of secondary prevention in patients with peripheral arterial disease

AIM

Aim of the study was to assess the effect of socioeconomic deprivation on prescribing of cardiovascular secondary prevention medications in patients referred with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

METHODS

A retrospective review of vascular clinic referrals was performed. All patients referred from primary care with suspected PAD over a two month period were included. The deprivation score, prescription of cardiovascular secondary prevention medications, smoking status and the presence of cardiovascular co-morbidities (coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease--CAD/CVD) were assessed. Comparison was made between socioeconomic groups using the Carstairs Deprivation (DepCat) Score and between patients with and without a history of currently existing cardiovascular co-morbidities.

RESULTS

The study included 391 patients. Almost two thirds of patients (253) were from the most deprived socioeconomic groups and were significantly younger at presentation (median age DepCat 7: 63 yrs, DepCat 1-2: 74.5 yrs, P<0.0001). The majority of patients with a prior history of CAD/CVD were prescribed secondary preventative medications at the time of referral with suspected PAD whereas those with no prior history of CAD/CVD, (212 patients, 54%) were significantly less likely to be prescribed antiplatelets (47% vs. 83%), statins (45% vs. 86%) or ACEi/ARBs (29% vs. 68%) (all P<0.05). Secondary prevention prescribing did not differ between socioeconomic groups.

CONCLUSION

Secondary prevention prescribing is inadequate in patients with suspected PAD regardless of socioeconomic group and is significantly lower in those without previously diagnosed CAD/CVD. There remains a lack of appreciation of the high cardiovascular risk associated with PAD.

Socioeconomic disparities in the use of cardioprotective medications among patients with peripheral artery disease: an analysis of the American College of Cardiology's NCDR PINNACLE Registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper was to examine disparities in the use of cardioprotective medications in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) by socioeconomic status (SES).

BACKGROUND

PAD is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and is more prevalent among those of lower SES. However, the use of guideline-recommended secondary preventive measures for the treatment of PAD across diverse income subgroups and the influence of practice site on potential treatment disparities by SES are unknown.

METHODS

Within the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry (NCDR) PINNACLE Registry, 62,690 patients with PAD were categorized into quintiles of SES, as defined by the median income of each patient's zip code. The association between SES and secondary preventive treatment with antiplatelet and statin medications was evaluated using sequential hierarchical modified Poison models, adjusting first for practice site and then for clinical variables.

RESULTS

Compared with the highest SES quintile (median income: >$60,868), PAD patients in the lowest SES quintile (median income: <$34,486) were treated less often with statins (72.5% vs. 85.8%; RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.86; p < 0.001) and antiplatelet therapy (79.0% vs. 84.6%; RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.94; p < 0.001). These differences were markedly attenuated after controlling for practice site variation: statins (adjusted RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99; p = 0.003) and antiplatelet therapy (adjusted RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.00; p = 0.012). Additional adjustment for patients' clinical characteristics had minimal impact, with slight further attenuation with statins (adjusted RR: 1.00: 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.01; p = 0.772) and antiplatelet therapy (adjusted RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.01; p = 0.878).

CONCLUSIONS

Among PAD patients, the practice site at which patients received care largely explained the observed SES differences in treatment with guideline-recommended secondary preventive medications. Future efforts to reduce treatment disparities in these vulnerable populations should target systems improvement at practices serving high proportions of patients with low SES.

[Comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of prostanoids for peripheral arterial occlusive]

Peripheral arteries occlusive disease (PAOD) is a prevalent illness that needs improved pharmacological management, especially for patients not eligible for surgical revascularization. Prostanoids (alprostadil or iloprost) were shown to be effective in PAOD and critical limb ischemia (CLI) but are rather costly. The results of our pharmacoeconomic study (cost estimation based on randomized control trial results) showed that iloprost does not increase cost of treatment when only direct medical costs are taken into account. If indirect costs are included into the analysis iloprost saves up to 27 thousand rubles per patient. Clinical efficacy is still high. Thus iloprost is a better alternative than alprostadil for CLI.

[Pharmacoeconomics aspects of therapy for obliterating diseases of lower-limb peripheral arteries]

The study was aimed at assessing feasibility of treatment of patients suffering from critical ischaemia of lower extremities with iloprost as compared to the basic therapy by means of pharmacoeconomic analysis. The findings of clinical studies and meta-analyses demonstrated that therapy with iloprost results in a pronounced clinical effect as compared with the basic therapy: significantly (p<0.005) decreasing the number of amputations above the knee joint (23% versus 39%) and more frequently decreasing the size of trophic ulcers (in 49% of cases versus 26%). This provides maintenance of the ability to work in part of patients and a decrease in the frequency of hospitalization, which in its turn results in decreased costs of treatment and indirect expenses.. The results of the carried out study show that with due regard for only direct costs economy from treatment with iloprost would amount to 1,544,556 Roubles per 100 patients. With additionally taking into account of indirect costs economy from using iloprost as compared with basic therapy increases to 25,689,11 Roubles per 100 patients.

The incidence and health economic burden of ischemic amputation in Minnesota, 2005-2008

INTRODUCTION

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease (PAD), is associated with high rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and amputation, and has a high health economic cost. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of lower limb amputation, the most serious consequence of CLI, and to create a surveillance methodology for the incidence of ischemic amputation in Minnesota.

METHODS

We assessed the incidence of ischemic amputation using all inpatient hospital discharge claims in Minnesota from 2005 through 2008. We identified major and minor ischemic amputations via the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure codes for lower limb amputation not due to trauma or cancer and assessed geographic and demographic differences in the incidence of ischemic amputation.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted annual incidence of lower limb ischemic amputation in Minnesota during the 4-year period was 20.0 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 19.4-20.6). Amputations increased significantly with age, were more common in men and in people with diabetes, and were slightly more common in rural residents. The number of amputation-related hospitalizations was steady over 4 years. The median total charge for each amputation was $32,129, and cumulative inpatient hospitalization charges were $56.5 million in 2008.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of ischemic amputation is high and results in major illness and health economic costs. These data represent the first population-based estimate of ischemic amputation at the state level and provide a national model for state-based surveillance.