Ad Hoc Cost Analysis of the New Gastrointestinal Bleeding Algorithm in Patients With Ventricular Assist Device

作者：Hirose Hitoshi^*; Sarosiek Konrad; Cavarocchi Nicholas C

来源：ASAIO Journal, 2014, 60(3): 351-352.

DOI：10.1097/MAT.0000000000000052

• gastrointestinal bleeding
• ventricular assist device
• deep bowel enteroscopy
• cost

Gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) is a known complication in patients receiving nonpulsatile ventricular assist devices (VAD). Previously, we reported a new algorithm for the workup of GIB in VAD patients using deep bowel enteroscopy. In this new algorithm, patients underwent fewer procedures, received less transfusions, and took less time to make the diagnosis than the traditional GIB algorithm group. Concurrently, we reviewed the cost-effectiveness of this new algorithm compared with the traditional workup. The procedure charges for the diagnosis and treatment of each episode of GIB was similar to $2,902 in the new algorithm group versus similar to $9,013 in the traditional algorithm group (p %26lt; 0.0001). Following the new algorithm in VAD patients with GIB resulted in fewer transfusions and diagnostic tests while attaining a substantial cost savings per episode of bleeding.

• 出版日期2014-6