Pediatric cardiology
-
Pediatric cardiology · Sep 1997
Comparative StudyCost-effectiveness analysis of stents, balloon angioplasty, and surgery for the treatment of branch pulmonary artery stenosis.
Branch pulmonary artery stenosis is a common problem in pediatric cardiology. Treatment has included surgery, balloon angioplasty, and balloon expandable stent placement. It was the purpose of this investigation to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of each of these modes of treatment. ⋯ Stents were at least as effective as surgery and were more effective than balloon angioplasty in both acute and intermediate term follow-up. Balloon angioplasty was least expensive per procedure but was also least effective. Therefore, intravascular balloon expandable stents are the most cost-effective means available in the treatment of branch pulmonary artery stenosis.