[Second-generation DES : New, but also cost-effective?].

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present review was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) compared to bare metal stents (BMS) as well as to first-generation DES.

METHODS

A structured literature review in MEDLINE was conducted to identify all studies investigating the cost-effectiveness of second-generation DES published up to December 2010. Pre-specified selection criteria were applied to identify relevant studies. Standardized data extraction was performed to summarize clinical, economic, and cost-effectiveness outcomes of these studies.

RESULTS

Of only five studies which met all selection criteria from the US, UK, and Spain, three investigated the cost-effectiveness of the zotarolimus-coated Endeavor stent (ZES) compared to BMS, and two studies the ZES with first-generation DES.

CONCLUSION

In summary, there is currently a lack of evidence with regard to the cost-effectiveness of second-generation DES, especially in Germany. However, studies from other countries provide some evidence that second-generation DES appear to generally not be cost-effective compared to BMS. Also, there is no conclusive evidence of cost-effectiveness compared to first-generation DES. Moreover, there are currently no studies investigating the cost-effectiveness of the Everolimus-coated Xience V stent. Methodologically rigorous economic evaluations addressing these issues within the context of the German health care system are therefore urgently required.