From the Guidelines
The cost of starting Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is typically between $40,000 to $150,000 for initial setup, with daily operational costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, resulting in a total cost of $150,000 to $500,000 for a complete ECMO course. This high cost is due to the complex nature of ECMO therapy, which requires specialized equipment, dedicated personnel, medications, and intensive care unit costs [@\1@, @\2@]. The expenses include the ECMO machine, oxygenator, cannulas, and tubing, as well as the costs of dedicated personnel such as ECMO specialists, perfusionists, critical care physicians, and nurses. Additionally, medications like anticoagulants, sedatives, and vasopressors are also included in the overall cost.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Geographic location
- Hospital type
- Patient condition
- Duration of therapy
- Type of ECMO (veno-venous or veno-arterial)
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for ECMO varies widely, with many plans covering it for approved indications but often with significant patient responsibility. It is essential to note that the cost of ECMO can be a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems, highlighting the need for careful consideration and planning when initiating this therapy [@\1@].
From the Research
Cost of Starting ECMO
- The cost of starting ECMO is not directly stated in the provided studies, but the cost-effectiveness of argatroban versus heparin anticoagulation in adult ECMO patients is discussed in 1.
- According to 1, the average cost per course of argatroban was less than the average cost per course of heparin ($7,091.98 vs $15,323.49, respectively), although the difference was not statistically significant.
- The cost of ECMO therapy itself is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that the cost of anticoagulation is a significant component of the overall cost of ECMO therapy.
Anticoagulation Costs
- The cost of argatroban and heparin anticoagulation in ECMO patients is compared in 1, with argatroban appearing to be more cost-effective.
- The study in 1 found that the average cost per course of argatroban was lower than the average cost per course of heparin, although the difference was not statistically significant.
- The cost of anticoagulation is an important consideration in ECMO therapy, as it can have a significant impact on the overall cost of treatment 1.
ECMO Therapy Costs
- The cost of ECMO therapy itself is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, but it is likely to be significant due to the complexity and resource-intensive nature of the treatment.
- The cost of ECMO therapy may vary depending on a number of factors, including the type and duration of therapy, the patient's underlying condition, and the healthcare setting in which the treatment is provided.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the costs associated with ECMO therapy and to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved resource allocation.