Cost-Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Contraindications to Anticoagulation

Conclusions LAAC is a novel stroke preventative therapy for non-valvular AF and is a cost-effective alternative to aspirin in patients with contraindications to OAC. Teaser We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) compared to aspirin in atrial fibrillation patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation (OAC). A probabilistic patient-level Markov microsimulation model with lifetime horizon was performed. Aspirin was less effective than LAAC, with average discounted lifetime cost of $38,974±18,783 for aspirin and $30,748±11,600 for LAAC. LAAC was dominant, being more effective and less expensive than aspirin in patients with contraindications to OAC.
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research