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"Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) is used to treat patients with refractory angina considered unsuitable for conventional forms of revascularization. Using patient specific data from a single centre UK randomised-controlled trial, we aimed to determine whether, from a UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective, TMLR plus standard medical management is cost-effective when compared with standard medical management alone. Patient utility was measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D questionnaire was combined with 12-month survival data to generate quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The mean cost per patient over the year from hospitalization for TMLR was £11,470 and for medical management alone was £2,586, giving a cost difference of £8901 (95% confidence interval (CI) £7502 ­ £10,008: P<0.0001). The mean QALY difference, in favour of TMLR was 0.039 (95% CI -0.033 to 0.113: P=0.268). This gives an incremental cost per QALY of over £228,000."

The type of study is: a cost utility study.

The comparator was: standard medical management alone.

The overall result was: an incremental cost per QALY of over £228,000 compared with standard care.