Cost-effectiveness of helicopter transport of stroke patients for thrombolysis.

摘要: Objectives Treatment with intravenous (IV) or intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis in patients acute ischemic stroke demands careful patient selection and specialized institutional capabilities. Physicians at hospitals without these resources may prefer transfer for treatment. Helicopter transport has been described but analysis of the effects its additional cost. The authors examined cost-effectiveness helicopter stroke. Methods Costs per good outcome quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) were calculated using a computer model. Input variables included flight, thrombolytic agent, angiography costs; annual cost long-term care symptomatic stroke; percentage transported treated; receiving IV versus IA therapy; discount rate; absolute probability outcome; mortality treatment; quality-of-life modifier. Sensitivity was performed. Results to tertiary centers therapy costs $35,000 $3,700 QALY reference case. Cost-effectiveness sensitive effectiveness minimally most other input values. Cost ranged from $0 $50,000, as increase outcomes (minimal no deficit) 20% 5%. not ranges flight proportion flown undergoing Conclusions This model indicates suspected potential is cost-effective wide range system variables.