Assessment of the Cost-effectiveness of Mitral Valve Repair

This study assessed the cost effectiveness of Mitral Valve Repair using a specific device compared to medical treatment in patients who would be considered unsuitable for mitral valve repair surgery.  This was in part an indirect evaluation, meaning that all data did not come from one randomised study of the device versus the control (in this case medical therapy).  Some information came from a real-world, within the NHS study.  Published trials were used as the main source of information supplemented by data from the Commissioning Through Evaluation study by NHS England.

Survival and hospitalisation were the outcomes considered. Survival and hospitalisation differences were reported.  Affordability (what the therapy would cost the NHS) was reported for a given number of patients.

A timescale of 5 years was used as this was the maximum time that NHS England Specialised Services assessed value for money over.

English national tariff costs were used so costs reflected costs that the NHS actually paid.

Cost-effectiveness was reported as incremental cost per QALY gained.

A report was prepared showing how the analysis was done and what the results were.  A list of references was included so that it could be seen which sources were used and when internet sources were accessed.