OBJECTIVES: The application of ultrasonic energy device plays a vital role in routine clinical procedures. Recently, a new device has been developed, that performs minimally-invasive dissection while securely sealing vessels up to 7 mm and with faster transection than the previous version. However, the impact that this has on healthcare spending is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate economic implications of the new device from payer perspective.

METHODS: Main outcomes and measures were the differences in health service outcomes, including procedure time, anesthesia time, and charges for anesthesia. Based on Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service–National Inpatients Sample (HIRA-NIS) from 2013 to 2016, the average time of anesthesia and the number of procedures using ultrasonic energy were derived, and the procedure codes were grouped based on the target organs. And the number of anesthesia maintenance and the reduction of anesthesia cost were calculated. We also analyzed cost saving effect of the reduced clip usage in vessels up. The number of procedures and the prices of clips applied were confirmed in HIRA claim data, and the amount of clip necessary for each procedure was referred to the textbooks.

RESULTS: As the anesthesia time was reduced by the shortening of the procedure time compared with the previous version, the total yearly financial savings of the payer was 516,671 USD. In colorectal, 194,120 USD. In stomach, 81,594 USD. In thoracic, 66,709 USD. In hepato-pancreatic-biliary, 95,535 USD. In uterine, 49,027 USD. In urinary, 29,685 USD. In colorectal and gastric laparoscopic surgery, annual savings due to changes in clip usage were calculated up to 529,702 USD on the payer.

CONCLUSIONS: The novel ultrasonic energy device was predicted to be cost-saving from payer perspectives by strength for improved dissection, faster transection, and more secure sealing.