Authors' objectives: Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease or atherosclerotic heart disease is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. CHD occurs as a result of narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Healthy coronary arteries are smooth and elastic but atherosclerosis arises when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, the walls of the arteries thicken and deposits of fat and plaque build-up on the coronary artery walls, blocking or limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Without adequate blood, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly. This can cause chest pain called angina. When one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked a heart attack may occur.

Authors' recommendations: After considering the available evidence presented in relation to safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided coronary stent insertion, MSAC did not support public funding for IVUS-guided coronary stent insertion for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention due to uncertain clinical effectiveness and uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1354-public

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/35D18B55EB1DFA6BCA257C0E007704DE/$File/1354Final-PSD-Accessible.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)