"Strokenomics": bending the cost curve in stroke care

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Economics
• Medical Device Management

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of disability and a significant economic burden, with costs projected to reach $240.7 billion by 2030.
• Mechanical thrombectomy improves functional outcomes but involves higher upfront costs compared to medical therapy alone.
• Optimizing procurement strategies is crucial for managing the economic impact of stroke care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a physician-led stroke device bundle purchase program.
• To assess the financial impact of a bundled procurement model for mechanical thrombectomy devices.
• To determine if cost savings from a bundled model affect therapeutic efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data for 45 patients.
• Analysis of device-associated charges under a virtual "stroke bundle" model.
• Comparison of costs and outcomes against a traditional à la carte device purchasing model.

Main Results:

• The stroke bundle model yielded average savings of $2900.93 per case, a 25.2% reduction.
• Total savings for 45 patients amounted to $130,542.00.
• Successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale grade 2b or 3) was achieved in 84.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Bundled purchasing of mechanical thrombectomy devices significantly reduces healthcare costs.
• The stroke bundle model maintains the therapeutic efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy.
• This procurement strategy enhances the favorable long-term cost-benefit of thrombectomy for stroke care.