Biotech Values

[thad_1010]

If you assume that MTWA and EPS have equivalent predictive power for sudden cardiac arrest.....

Which one would you (or your family member) want?

The EPS study: Invasive, catheter is placed through a vessel in the groin into the right heart chambers and delivers electrical stimulation to attempt to induce lethal heart rhythms. If VT is induced, the electrophysiologist delivers a "shock" to return the patient to a normal rhythm, then typically proceeds to ICD implantation. If no inducible arrythmia is noted, the test is done and the patient goes to the recovery room. There is a 1-2% chance of serious complication from the test (including death, which is quite rare, of course). There is a ~4-5% chance of minor complication such as bleeding or bruisng. The patient requires same day admission, sedation and pain medication, a recovery period before dischange and EPS costs ~ $2000-5000 depending on the extent of the procedure and location.

MTWA test: Done at the office, takes about 30 minutes, costs $400-$500 and is completely non invasive. Of course, you have to walk on the treadmill and get your heart rate above 115, which is usually no problem for most people. You go back to work afterwards....unless it is positive (or truly indeterminate, of course)...THEN you go to the more invasive procedure.....If is is negative, as it is in the majority of people, you are done for 12-15 months....

You choose....I have....

thad