CHELMSFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS
WIRE)–ZOLL Medical Corporation (NASDAQ GS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of
medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that data showing
the cost-effectiveness of the LifeVest® Wearable Defibrillator was presented in two
scientific presentations and posters at the American Heart Associations
Scientific Sessions 2011 in Orlando over the weekend.
Chingping Wan, M.D., MSHCPM, ZOLL Medical Corporation,
presented a poster entitled “The Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Is
Cost-Effective in Protecting High-Risk Patients after Acute Myocardial
Infarction.” Dr. Wan et al. used a simplified Markov decision analysis model to
perform a retrospective analysis of LifeVest patients (N=6,703) with a first
diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), including event rate, treatment
shock outcome, compliance, and end of use reasons to determine the
effectiveness of the LifeVest. In addition, published articles and historical
data were used to approximate cost, incidence of ventricular arrhythmia, and
mortality, with data from non-LifeVest patients who utilized standard emergency
medical service (EMS) used as the baseline.
The conclusion was that the LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator
is a highly cost-effective therapy to protect post-AMI patients from sudden
cardiac death with an incremental cost per life year gained (ICLYG) of $26,238.
Therapies are commonly considered cost-effective with an ICLYG of $80,000 or
less. For example, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy used to
treat patients with a low ejection fraction 40 to 90 days following an MI are
also considered cost-effective with published ICLYGs between $55,000 and
$65,000.
Dr. Wan also presented a poster entitled “Economic
Evaluation of the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Patients after ICD
Explantation.” Dr. Wan et al. used a simplified Markov decision analysis model
to perform a retrospective analysis of LifeVest patients (N=3,021) after ICD
explantation, including event rate, treatment shock outcome, compliance, and
end of use reasons to determine the effectiveness of the LifeVest. In addition,
published articles and historical data were used to approximate cost, incidence
of ventricular arrhythmia, and mortality, with data from non-LifeVest patients
who utilized standard emergency medical service (EMS)
used as the baseline. The conclusion was that the LifeVest Wearable
Defibrillator is a highly cost-effective therapy to protect ICD explant
patients from sudden cardiac death with an incremental cost per life year
gained (ICLYG) of $15,471.
“These initial data demonstrate that the LifeVest is a
highly cost-effective therapy for treating cardiomyopathy patients early after
an acute cardiac event or following ICD explantation,” said Richard A. Packer,
Chief Executive Officer of ZOLL. “A patient is at the highest risk of SCA
immediately after an acute cardiac event, but the risk may be temporary and the
patient may recover. The combination of these factors is part of the driver for
the high cost-effectiveness of the short-term therapy provided by the LifeVest.
As we continue to advance the clinical use of the LifeVest in the standard of
care, I believe we will find an even greater value is delivered by this
therapy, including potential clinical benefits related to optimization of
medical therapy, patient compliance with prescribed treatment paths, and other
broader healthcare impacts.”
The LifeVest is worn by patients at risk for sudden
cardiac arrest (SCA), providing protection during their changing condition and
while permanent SCA risk has not been established. The LifeVest allows a
patients physician time to assess his or her long-term arrhythmic risk and
make appropriate plans. The LifeVest is lightweight and easy to wear, allowing
patients to return to their activities of daily living, while having the peace
of mind that they are protected from SCA. The LifeVest continuously monitors a
patients heart and, if a life-threatening heart rhythm is detected, the device
delivers a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
The LifeVest is used for a wide range of patient conditions
or situations, including following a heart attack, before or after bypass
surgery or stent placement, as well as for those with cardiomyopathy or
congestive heart failure that places them at particular risk.
About ZOLL Medical Corporation
ZOLL Medical Corporation develops and markets medical devices and software
solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing
clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and
monitoring, circulation and CPR feedback, data management, fluid resuscitation,
and therapeutic temperature management, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of
technologies that help clinicians, EMS and
fire professionals, and lay rescuers treat victims needing resuscitation and
critical care.
A NASDAQ Global Select company and a Forbes 100 Most
Trustworthy Company in 2007, 2008, and 2009, ZOLL was designated in 2011 as one
of Forbes Top 100 Small Public Companies in America with annual revenues under
$1 billion. ZOLL develops and manufactures its products in the United States, in California,
Colorado, Illinois,
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
and Rhode Island.
More than 400 direct sales and service representatives, 1,100 business
partners, and 200 independent representatives serve our customers in over 140
countries around the globe. For more information, visit www.zoll.com.