Cost-consequence analysis of different active flowable hemostatic matrices in cardiac surgical procedures

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Health Economics
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• A prior study indicated FLOSEAL Hemostatic Matrix use in cardiac surgery correlated with fewer complications, transfusions, revisions, and shorter surgery durations versus SURGIFLO Hemostatic Matrix.
• These clinical improvements may yield economic benefits for healthcare providers and payers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the cost-consequences of utilizing FLOSEAL versus SURGIFLO hemostatic matrices in adult cardiac surgeries within US hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A cost-consequence model was developed using clinical data from a comparative effectiveness study of FLOSEAL and SURGIFLO.
• The model incorporated differences in surgery length, complication rates, revisions, and blood transfusions.
• Costs were based on the 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, adjusted to 2015 US dollars.

Main Results:

• Annual use of FLOSEAL in a hospital performing 245 cardiac surgeries could potentially avoid 11 major complications, 31 minor complications, 9 revisions, and 79 blood transfusions.
• This reduction in adverse events and operating time translates to an estimated net annualized saving of $1,532,896.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed robust cost savings, ranging from $1.3m to $1.8m and $911k to $2.4m.

Conclusions:

• The clinical advantages of FLOSEAL over SURGIFLO in cardiac surgery, as previously documented, are associated with significant potential cost savings for US hospitals.
• Implementing FLOSEAL can lead to improved patient outcomes and considerable economic benefits.