Dr. Andy

Reflections on medicine and biology among other things

Sunday, March 06, 2005

Drug Covered Stents

So drug covered stents, inserted into blocked coronary arteries seem to be superior to plain ones. Of course they are also much, much more expensive ($2000-2500, which is actually down from original prices) than plain ones. The article suggests they may decrease the need for CABG coronary artery bypass graft) surgery, but I'm sure the net effect is to increase health care costs.

I think as a society we just need to get used to the idea that we are going to spend a lot for better health care. But if I needed a stent, I'd definitely want a drug coated one. I guess a bright spot is that increased competition may bring down costs.

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