A multiple outcome model to assess cost-effectiveness: Results from the Emory Angioplasty versus Surgery Trial (EAST)

This paper is an empirical analysis comparing coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) as an initial form of therapy for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The paper presents a model which relates multiple patient descriptors to multiple patient outcomes for 392 randomized patients to determine which procedure offers more units of quality health increase per unit increase in cost (proxy for resource utilization). The results indicate that at three year follow-up, there is no difference in cost-effectiveness between the two alternative therapies.