A total of 18,273 patients receiving angioplasty in hospitals with or without central vascular surgery were followed for 9 months and the costs were evaluated. Mortality and the occurrence of events were not different between the two groups. The cost of treatment was lower in the central vascular surgery centers (23,961 USD versus 25,540 USD, p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Coronary angioplasty in hospitals with central vascular surgery reduces costs.
Comment: The cost difference is probably related to the standby surgery centers having a greater volume and therefore more experience than smaller centers without surgery
Eric Eisenstein
2012-11-04
Original title: Economic Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Performed at Sites With and Without On-Site Cardiac Surgery.
