Data shows cost-effectiveness of ZOLL LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator

ZOLL Medical Corporation (NASDAQ GS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that data showing the cost-effectiveness of the LifeVest^® Wearable Defibrillator was presented in two scientific presentations and posters at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2011 in Orlando over the weekend.

“The Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Is Cost-Effective in Protecting High-Risk Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction.”

Chingping Wan, M.D., MSHCPM, ZOLL Medical Corporation, presented a poster entitled "The Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator Is Cost-Effective in Protecting High-Risk Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction." Dr. Wan et al. used a simplified Markov decision analysis model to perform a retrospective analysis of LifeVest patients.

The conclusion was that the LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator is a highly cost-effective therapy to protect post-AMI patients from sudden cardiac death with an incremental cost per life year gained (ICLYG) of $26,238. Therapies are commonly considered cost-effective with an ICLYG of $80,000 or less. For example, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy used to treat patients with a low ejection fraction 40 to 90 days following an MI are also considered cost-effective with published ICLYG's between $55,000 and $65,000.

Dr. Wan also presented a poster entitled "Economic Evaluation of the Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Patients after ICD Explantation." Dr. Wan et al. used a simplified Markov decision analysis model to perform a retrospective analysis of LifeVest patients.

"These initial data demonstrate that the LifeVest is a highly cost-effective therapy for treating cardiomyopathy patients early after an acute cardiac event or following ICD explantation," said Richard A. Packer, Chief Executive Officer of ZOLL. "A patient is at the highest risk of SCA immediately after an acute cardiac event, but the risk may be temporary and the patient may recover. The combination of these factors is part of the driver for the high cost-effectiveness of the short-term therapy provided by the LifeVest. As we continue to advance the clinical use of the LifeVest in the standard of care, I believe we will find an even greater value is delivered by this therapy, including potential clinical benefits related to optimization of medical therapy, patient compliance with prescribed treatment paths, and other broader healthcare impacts."

The LifeVest is worn by patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), providing protection during their changing condition and while permanent SCA risk has not been established. The LifeVest allows a patient's physician time to assess his or her long-term arrhythmic risk and make appropriate plans. The LifeVest is lightweight and easy to wear, allowing patients to return to their activities of daily living, while having the peace of mind that they are protected from SCA. The LifeVest continuously monitors a patient's heart and, if a life-threatening heart rhythm is detected, the device delivers a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

The LifeVest is used for a wide range of patient conditions or situations, including following a heart attack, before or after bypass surgery or stent placement, as well as for those with cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure that places them at particular risk.