Economic impact of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy in high-risk coronary patients

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy in high-risk coronary patients has been demonstrated earlier. METHODS: This study investigates the economic aspect by a detailed cost analysis of pooled information from two previously published randomized studies and 144 consecutive low-risk coronary artery bypass graft operations. Costs for patients receiving preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy before aortic cross-clamping (n = 62) were compared to those in a control group (n = 50). Detailed cost analysis was based on data provided by the hospital finance department. RESULTS: The total hospital costs were as follows: low-risk coronary artery bypass graft operations cost 35,335+/-1,694 Swiss francs ($23,400+/-$1,121); high-risk coronary artery bypass graft without preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy cost 65,892+/-31,719 Swiss francs ($43,637+/-$21,006); and high risk coronary artery bypass graft with preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy cost 41,948+/-10,379 Swiss francs ($27,780+/-$6,874) (p = 0.0015). There were no significant differences in average cost among the preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump therapy in high risk coronary patients is significantly cost-beneficial, With an average saving of 24,000 Swiss francs ($16,000) on the total hospital cost, a 36% cost reduction.