Technology assessment of nonsurgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus: an evaluation of the clinical effectiveness and costs of a new medical device.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy and cost impact of a new medical device for the nonsurgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

METHODS

This was a before-after study comparing the most recent 20 surgical procedures with the first 20 nonsurgical procedures for PDA using a new medical device. Clinical outcome, hospital stay, device cost, and physician fees were compared.

RESULTS

Surgical closure was effective in all 20 patients, with an average cost of $4667. In a similar patient group, nonsurgical closure was achieved in 18 of 20 patients (90%), with an estimated average cost per successful procedure of $4690. A clinically insignificant PDA leak persisted beyond 12 months in four nonsurgically managed patients.

CONCLUSION

Nonsurgical closure of PDA can be recommended as an effective new medical technique that is not associated with a measurable increase in direct costs and that provides significant indirect and intangible cost advantages.