Cost-effectiveness of a novel, non-invasive coronary diagnostic tool in The Netherlands

What is it about?

This study aims to assess the difference in healthcare costs and effects of a novel non-invasive coronary diagnostic tool (Fractional Flow Reserve coronary computed tomography (FFRct), see image B) which has the potential to replace current invasive techniques for patients with coronary symptoms. Based on the findings from the early-HTA it was concluded that the novel diagnostic tool may indeed reduce total healthcare spending, probability of incorrect diagnoses, and major adverse cardiovascular events compared to current diagnostics for patients with stable chest pain in the Dutch healthcare setting over 1 year.

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Photo by Ali Hajiluyi on Unsplash

Photo by Ali Hajiluyi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although The Netherlands is considered a low risk country in this respect, CAD is the leading cause of morbidity and ranks fifth in causes of mortality in this country. Early diagnosisis key to avoid cardiac events and deaths. To diagnose CAD, a patient can undergo several diagnostic steps, from non-invasive to invasive methods. A patient will be referred to a next diagnostic step, if the previous one does not give conclusive results. In this study the cost-effectiveness is evaluated of a novel diagnostic tool which is expected to lower the amount of diagnostic tests needed, and lower the amount of invasive procedures (and their associated risks).

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