The analysis was based on the rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1 year among 4,853 patients with diabetes in 13 head-to-head clinical trials of various DES, all of which included the PES. When outcomes from these trials are combined using an indirect comparisons framework, the rate of TLR at 1 year in diabetic patients treated with PES was estimated to be 6.9%. The use of either EES or ZES was not associated with a significant relative risk reduction in 1-year TLR vs. PES The 1-year TLR rates were estimated to be 7.9% for EES and 7.1% for ZES). In contrast, the use of CYPHER?® led to a highly significant, 54% relative risk reduction in the rate of 1-year TLR (3.2%) vs. the PES (P<0.001). When these results are applied to the fixed-fee reimbursement system used in the US, and the costs of the index PCI (with DES) and re-intervention for TLR were estimated at $17,500 and $19,594, respectively, the annual cost savings per patient treated with CYPHER?® were shown to be over $700 vs. all three other DES (EES, PES, or ZES).

NOTE: Neither the CYPHER stent, nor any other DES sold in the U.S., has an FDA-approved indication for use in patients with diabetes.

Source : Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting