Cost of Implanting Heart Assist Device Said Comparable to Transplant

Researchers say the cost of implanting a heart assist device in patients suffering severe congestive heart failure is comparable to the cost of a heart, liver or other major organ transplant.

Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, vice chairman of surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, said the cost figures were based on the Rematch trial in which patients received the HeartMate left ventricular assist system.

In a presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2002, Oz said the median hospital cost for the procedure was approximately $77,000 with the device costing another $65,000 for a total of $142,000.

"This is a landmark study because we can finally answer what it costs to put an LVAD in place. It is a device that many would consider the ultimate treatment for heart failure, a mechanical alternative to the heart," Oz said.

"The costs, from my perspective, are less than many would have expected at such an early stage with a device like this. Improving management of these critically ill patients will substantially reduce the costs of this evolving technology," he added.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this month granted Thoratec approval to market the HeartMate SNAP-VE LVAS as a permanent alternative for end-stage heart failure patients who are not eligible for heart transplants (see earlier Transplant Week story).

Other sources: Thoratec