Positioning of the Eluvia™, Drug-Eluting Stent in the Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Türkiye: Insights From a Specialist Panel Survey and Focus Group Study
Author(s)
Ekin Begum Ozdemir, MSc1, Guvenc Kockaya, MSc, PhD, MD1, Aybike Ekinci Yildirim, MSc2, Emily Woodward, MSc3, Remi Delepine, MSc4.
1Econix Research, Samsun, Turkey, 2Boston Scientific, Istanbul, Turkey, 3Boston Scientific, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 4Boston Scientific Benelux, Brussel, Belgium.
1Econix Research, Samsun, Turkey, 2Boston Scientific, Istanbul, Turkey, 3Boston Scientific, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 4Boston Scientific Benelux, Brussel, Belgium.
OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study evaluates clinical perceptions, usage patterns, system-level challenges, and perceived long-term impact of the ELUVIA™ drug-eluting stent (DES) in managing peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Türkiye, along with its role in the reimbursement landscape.
METHODS: This study employed a two-phase mixed-methods design: (1) a 21-item online survey (Feb 27-Mar 4, 2024) completed by 13 interventional specialists to assess ELUVIA™ use, effectiveness, safety, and selection factors; and (2) a semi-structured focus group (Mar 6, 2024, Istanbul) to further explore treatment preferences, system-level barriers, and clinical decision-making. Descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis were applied. Given the limited sample size, findings are not intended to be representative of nationwide practice but to reflect expert perspectives.
RESULTS: All participants performed endovascular procedures, with 69% routinely using DES. ELUVIA™ was considered effective or highly effective by 92%, especially in complex lesions. Key advantages included sustained patency, lower restenosis, and minimal systemic effects. However, wider use is limited by reimbursement exclusions and insufficient clinician awareness. Additionally, 13% of participants reported a need for more information or training related to the device. Literature evidence from the SPORTS, TRUE-PTX, and Münster studies was cited by several participants as reinforcing ELUVIA™'s efficacy, particularly in reducing reintervention rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the perspectives of a small group of experienced specialists, ELUVIA™ is perceived as a clinically valuable and safe treatment option for PAD in Türkiye, especially in anatomically complex or high-risk cases. However, systemic barriers such as reimbursement limitations and educational gaps were highlighted as major obstacles to broader adoption. Expanding reimbursement access and supporting multidisciplinary educational initiatives could enhance patient outcomes and long-term cost-efficiency within the Turkish healthcare system.
METHODS: This study employed a two-phase mixed-methods design: (1) a 21-item online survey (Feb 27-Mar 4, 2024) completed by 13 interventional specialists to assess ELUVIA™ use, effectiveness, safety, and selection factors; and (2) a semi-structured focus group (Mar 6, 2024, Istanbul) to further explore treatment preferences, system-level barriers, and clinical decision-making. Descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis were applied. Given the limited sample size, findings are not intended to be representative of nationwide practice but to reflect expert perspectives.
RESULTS: All participants performed endovascular procedures, with 69% routinely using DES. ELUVIA™ was considered effective or highly effective by 92%, especially in complex lesions. Key advantages included sustained patency, lower restenosis, and minimal systemic effects. However, wider use is limited by reimbursement exclusions and insufficient clinician awareness. Additionally, 13% of participants reported a need for more information or training related to the device. Literature evidence from the SPORTS, TRUE-PTX, and Münster studies was cited by several participants as reinforcing ELUVIA™'s efficacy, particularly in reducing reintervention rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the perspectives of a small group of experienced specialists, ELUVIA™ is perceived as a clinically valuable and safe treatment option for PAD in Türkiye, especially in anatomically complex or high-risk cases. However, systemic barriers such as reimbursement limitations and educational gaps were highlighted as major obstacles to broader adoption. Expanding reimbursement access and supporting multidisciplinary educational initiatives could enhance patient outcomes and long-term cost-efficiency within the Turkish healthcare system.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
CO181
Topic
Clinical Outcomes
Topic Subcategory
Clinician Reported Outcomes
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory)