20. ICD: Primary Prevention, Utilization & Costs: 20.8 The Costs of AICD Therapy in Belgium

Introduction Out of the 14.836 deaths for cardiac diseases in 2001, 1.945 was classified as sudden cardiac death. Several studies proved that Automated Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (AICD) is the preferred therapy in this group. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in-hospital costs for patients receiving an AICD implantation in Belgium in 2001. Methods Retrospective analysis of data from the national hospital registration system (MKG) was performed. Results 1.528.852 hospital admissions were registered, 196.675 with a cardiovascular disease. Of this group 485 was admitted for implantatio... Mehr ...