The Cost of Innovation and Evidence in Cardiac Surgery

Joanna Chikwe1, Mario Gaudino2

  • 122494 Department of Cardiac Surgery, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Insights

Funding source impacts cardiovascular trial results. Industry-sponsored studies showed bias, with minor outcome changes potentially altering significance, highlighting the need for transparent reporting in medical research.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Research Methodology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Funding source can influence clinical trial outcomes and reporting.
  • Previous analyses suggest potential biases in industry-funded research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze cardiovascular intervention trials based on funding source.
  • To assess the impact of funding on trial design, results, and reporting strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic analysis of 216 randomized cardiovascular intervention trials (2008-2019).
  • Comparison of trial characteristics and reported outcomes between industry-sponsored and non-industry-sponsored trials.

Main Results:

  • A small change in outcomes (5 patients) could alter significance in analyzed trials.
  • Industry-sponsored trials more frequently used composite endpoints and noninferiority designs.
  • Industry trials were twice as likely to favor the device arm and used "spin" in over 80% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Trial funding source is associated with significant differences in design and reporting.
  • Potential bias in industry-sponsored cardiovascular trials warrants careful consideration.
  • Transparency in reporting is crucial for accurate interpretation of medical research findings.