Catheter cases show how new technology affects costs

The cost of medical treatments for similar cases can often differ greatly, based on the technology selected to treat the patient. The type of device selected; the associated drugs, supplies, and equipment needed; and the possible complications that may result from the treatment combine to produce the differences in costs. In this article, the Swan-Ganz catheter and procedures associated with its use are discussed. Issues such as the generation of useful data and the necessity of use are analyzed to illustrate why the cost of technology can vary from procedure to procedure. It is important to develop better systems to help monitor all treatment costs. But it is also essential to know the workings of the devices used and the services provided to understand what drives these costs.