Cost Effectiveness of Primary Stenting in the Superficial Femoral Artery for Intermittent Claudication: Two Year Results of a Randomised Multicentre Trial

Invasive treatment of intermittent claudication (IC) is commonly performed, despite limited evidence its cost effectiveness. IC symptoms are mainly caused by atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA), and endovascular performed frequently. The aim this study was to investigate effectiveness vs. non-invasive treatment. One hundred patients with due SFA were randomised primary stenting, best medical (BMT) exercise advice (stent group), or BMT alone (control group). Patients recruited at seven hospitals Sweden. For analysis after 24 months, 84 data on quality adjusted life years (QALY; based EuroQol Five Dimensions EQ-5D 3L™ questionnaire) analysed. Patient registry imputed used for accumulated costs regarding hospitalisation outpatient visits. mean per patient €11 060 stent group €4 787 control group, resulting a difference €6 273 between groups. QALYs groups 0.26, favour which resulted an incremental ratio (ICER) € 23 785 QALY. associated stenting higher than alone. With concurrent improvement health related life, effective option according Swedish national guidelines (ICER < €50 000 – €70 000) approaching UK’s National Institute Health Care Excellence threshold willingness pay £20 £30 000). From standpoint, can, many countries, be as adjunct training advice, but it must considered that successful implementation structured programmes longer follow up may alter these findings.