Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.2K

Cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation in Sweden

Thomas Davidson1, Magnus Husberg, Magnus Janzon

  • 1Center for Medical Technology Assessment, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE-581 83, Sweden. thomas.davidson@liu.se

European Heart Journal
|June 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Dabigatran offers a cost-effective stroke prevention strategy for atrial fibrillation patients in Sweden compared to warfarin. This new oral anticoagulant is recommended as it falls within the acceptable cost-effectiveness limits.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacoeconomics
  • Cardiology
  • Health Technology Assessment

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation increases thromboembolic event risk, necessitating anticoagulation.
  • Vitamin K antagonists like warfarin are standard, but new oral anticoagulants are emerging.
  • Dabigatran is a newly approved oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran versus warfarin for stroke and thromboembolic event prevention.
  • The study focuses on 65-year-old patients with atrial fibrillation in Sweden.
  • Assess long-term economic and clinical outcomes of dabigatran treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A 20-year decision analytic simulation model was employed.
  • Outcome measures included strokes prevented, life years gained, and QALYs gained.
  • Swedish cost and effect data were utilized, with age-dependent dosing for dabigatran.

Main Results:

  • Dabigatran's cost per QALY gained was estimated at €7742 compared to warfarin.
  • This cost-effectiveness ratio increased to €12 449 when compared to well-controlled warfarin.
  • The analysis considered long-term costs and effects over 20 years.

Conclusions:

  • Dabigatran represents a cost-effective treatment option in Sweden for atrial fibrillation patients.
  • Its incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is below the established willingness-to-pay threshold.
  • The findings support dabigatran's use for stroke prevention in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.6K
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

17.1K

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.6K
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants01:18

Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
2.8K
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
470
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
482