Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of optical coherence tomography for imaging in cardiac interventions

Introduction: OCT is a noninvasive, contactless, optical method that uses infrared light to produce images of blood vessel anatomy, tissue microstructure, and stents during cardiac catheterization. Aim: This review aims to present a cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact analysis of optical coherence tomography for imaging in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary interventions. Methods: An incomplete economic analysis was chosen to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of OCT, in which only direct medical costs were assessed. The time horizon for estimating the costs and health benefi ts of OCT was one year. In addition, a budget impact analysis was conducted. Results: As a result of the incomplete economic analysis of the costs of OCT-guided PCI, it could be seen that the total cost per patient amounted to BGN 4,954.89. These costs include the unit cost of the device (OCT catheters) – BGN 2,000.00 including VAT, and the weighted average cost of the OCT-guided PCI procedure – BGN 2,954.89. Conclusion: The OCT-guided PCI strategy is associated with higher procedural costs but with more favorable clinical benefi ts, making it a cost-effective option for intravascular imaging in the long term.