Medical costs of intravascular ultrasound optimization of stent deployment. Results of the multicenter randomized 'REStenosis after Intravascular ultrasound STenting' (RESIST) study

OBJECTIVE: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can be used to optimize the deployment of stents. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and long-term medical costs of the use of IVUS through the results of the 'REStenosis after Intravascular ultrasound STenting' (RESIST) study. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five patients were randomized to routine stent deployment with ( n = 79) versus without ( n = 76) IVUS guidance, with clinical follow-up over medical costs (hospitalization procedural costs) were calculated using a cost accounting system at the time of stent implantation and for all repeat lesion revascularizations. (At the time of writing the exchange rate was 1 Euro = 1 US dollar.) RESULTS: Because of the cost of IVUS catheters and the need for more balloons, acute procedural costs were 18% higher in the group with IVUS guidance (2934 - 670 Euros vs 2481 - 911 Euros). Clinical events (death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina or lesion revascular 18 months. The ization) occurred in 28/7...