The Implications of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Medical Technology. Background Paper Number 2: Case Studies of Medical Technologies. Case Study Number 9: The Artificial Heart, Costs, Risks, and Benefits

摘要

The case study, discusses the potential societal benefits, costs, and risks of continued investment in a total implantable artificial heart. The study points to some useful areas of further research on the relationship of public policy to the development of new medical technologies. At a minimum, an assessment of the artificial heart program provides an opportunity to address policy questions concerning the distribution of research funds for treating heart disease, the equitable distribution of medical technology, and the potential costs to society before this life-saving technology is available for therapeutic use.