Cost-effectiveness of an insertable cardiac monitor in a high-risk
population in the US
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of insertable cardiac
monitors (ICMs) compared to standard of care (SoC) for detecting atrial
fibrillation (AF) in patients at high risk of stroke (CHADS2
>2), in the US. Background: ICMs are a clinically effective
means of detecting AF in high-risk patients, prompting the initiation of
non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Their cost-effectiveness from
a US clinical payer perspective is not yet known. Methods: Using patient
data from the REVEAL AF trial (n= 446, average CHADS2 score= 2.9), a
Markov model estimated the lifetime costs and benefits of detecting AF
with an ICM or with SoC (namely, intermittent use of electrocardiograms
[ECGs] and 24-hour Holter monitors). Ischemic and hemorrhagic
strokes, intra- and extra-cranial hemorrhages, and minor bleeds were
modelled. Diagnostic and device costs were included, plus costs of
treating stroke and bleeding events and of NOACs. Costs and health
outcomes, measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), were
discounted at 3% per annum. One-way deterministic and probabilistic
sensitivity analyses (PSA) were undertaken. Results: Lifetime
per-patient cost for ICM was $58,132 vs. $52,019 for SoC. ICMs
generated a total 7.75 QALYs vs. 7.59 for SoC, with 34 fewer strokes
projected per 1,000 patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
(ICER) was $35,452 per QALY gained. ICMs were cost-effective in 72% of
PSA simulations, using a $50,000 per QALY threshold. Conclusions: The
use of ICMs to identify AF in a high-risk population is likely to be
cost-effective in the US healthcare setting.