Cost Analysis of E-PTFE Covered Tips Stents compared to Bare Stents

The use of expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered TIPS stents results in an improved primary patency rate. But compared to the conventional bare stents the covered stents are more expensive. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if a reduction in the follow-up cost for angiographic interventions justify the initial higher cost for covered TIPSS. Methods: In a prospective evaluation 13 patients with complicated liver cirrhosis (C-group: 53.4 (37.6–66.2) years) were treated with (ePTFE)-covered TIPSS (2416 €, Gore-Viatorr®, W.L. Gore, USA). A control group matched in age and Child score (UC-group:…