Assessment of the Cost-effectiveness of Drug-eluting Coronary Stents

This was part of a NICE Technology Appraisal of Drug-eluting Coronary Stents and the technology has since been placed on the static list (meaning that it will not be reviewed unless the evidence changes in a way that could affect the decision).

The appraisal focussed on long lesions (defined as longer than 15mm), small vessels (defined as less than 3mm) and diabetes.

The time horizon was 1 year as most repeat revascularisation takes place within this timeframe.

Multipliers were used to take the baseline revascularisation rate up those rates expected for long lesions, small vessels and diabetes.

The final guidance recommended drug-eluting stents (Cypher and Taxus) for these groups but a number of drug-eluting stents have come to market since and clinicians tend to use the brand that they are most comfortable with.