Do Medical Research And New Technology Actually Make Our Lives Better?

Darrell G. Kirch, M.D.March 31, 2004

Do Medical Research And New Technology Actually Make Our Lives Better?

Darrell G. Kirch, M.D.March 31, 2004

Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular Disease

chest painchest pain

myocardial ischemiamyocardial infarction

heart failure

myocardial ischemiamyocardial infarction

heart failure

Cardiovascular Disease - ThenCardiovascular Disease - Then

chest pain with an abnormal EKGchest pain with an abnormal EKG

the 3-day “R/O MI” admission the 3-day “R/O MI” admission

Cardiovascular Disease - NowCardiovascular Disease - Now

chest pain with an abnormal EKGchest pain with an abnormal EKG

coronary angiography

angioplasty with stenting

coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

coronary angiography

angioplasty with stenting

coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

Cardiovascular Disease - NowCardiovascular Disease - Now

chest pain with an abnormal EKG $345chest pain with an abnormal EKG $345

coronary angiography $5,100

angioplasty with stenting $11,250

coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) $43,900

left ventricular assist device (LVAD) $205,000

coronary angiography $5,100

angioplasty with stenting $11,250

coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) $43,900

left ventricular assist device (LVAD) $205,000

Does Advancing Medical Science…Does Advancing Medical Science…

…increase longevity? ALMOST ALWAYS

…improve quality of life? OFTEN

…decrease the cost of health care? USUALLY NOT

…increase longevity? ALMOST ALWAYS

…improve quality of life? OFTEN

…decrease the cost of health care? USUALLY NOT

If science is so great, why don’t we always get increased quality of life and decreased costs?

If science is so great, why don’t we always get increased quality of life and decreased costs?

The problem of choices!The problem of choices!

Three Types Of Choices That Increase Health Care CostsThree Types Of Choices That Increase Health Care Costs

The choice not to alter lifestyle The choice to exhaust tests and

treatments The choice to extend life as long as

possible… …whatever its quality

The choice not to alter lifestyle The choice to exhaust tests and

treatments The choice to extend life as long as

possible… …whatever its quality

Advances in medical research and technology are truly wonderful!

Advances in medical research and technology are truly wonderful!

But their impact would be even more positive if combined with wiser choices on our part!

But their impact would be even more positive if combined with wiser choices on our part!