Closing the Cost Gap

A new study found that closing a hole in the heart (patent foramen ovale) through a minimally invasive procedure is more cost-effective than traditional medical treatment for preventing strokes in people who don't know why they had a stroke. The researchers used a complex model to compare the two options and found that closing the hole saved money and improved health outcomes, with a significant reduction in lifetime costs and a greater number of quality-adjusted life years. This is good news for patients and the healthcare system, as it suggests that this treatment could be a more affordable and effective option for preventing strokes.