Disposable Component Selection in Extracorporeal Life Support: A Cost Analysis

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Health Economics
• Medical Technology Assessment

Background:

• Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a vital but resource-intensive treatment.
• Disposable components represent a significant and modifiable cost factor in ECLS.
• Effective cost-conscious device selection requires robust financial analysis tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a disposable cost analysis tool for ECLS programs.
• To forecast estimated costs associated with ECLS device disposables over a 5-year period.
• To inform cost-saving strategies through informed device selection.

Main Methods:

• Generated a disposable cost analysis incorporating an assumption table, net present value (NPV), and sensitivity analysis.
• Modeled costs over 5 years using varying case volumes and device mixes.
• Included four distinct device options with specified cost and utilization assumptions.

Main Results:

• The 5-year unadjusted and NPV costs for a sample scenario were $3,691,000 and $2,765,000, respectively.
• Sensitivity analysis revealed significant cost variations based on device mix, with NPVs ranging from $1,246,000 to $6,644,000.
• Model B (100% Device 1) had the lowest NPV, while Model F (75% Device 3, 25% Device 4) had the highest.

Conclusions:

• The developed disposable cost analysis tool can effectively forecast ECLS program expenses.
• Strategic device selection and mix optimization are crucial for reducing ECLS programmatic costs.
• ECLS programs can leverage this tool to make financially informed decisions and enhance resource management.