Will a Next-Generation Stent Graft Change Practice? Asking High and Low Users at VEITH
By interviewing both heavy and light users of the current device, we estimated how far a next-generation version could shift treatment choices.
A manufacturer wanted to validate the scope of a next-generation balloon-expandable covered stent graft and judge whether it would shift treatment choices in aortoiliac occlusive disease and complex aortic cases.
Physicians were recruited at the VEITH Symposium in New York. Criteria:
Vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, or interventional cardiologists
At least three years post-fellowship
At least 85% of time in direct patient care
At least five covered balloon-expandable stent graft procedures a year for iliac disease
A mix of high and low users of the current device
The final sample comprised 24 physicians: 21 vascular surgeons, 2 interventional cardiologists, and 1 interventional radiologist. 22 were from the US, with one each from Germany and Italy. 7 worked at a university or in teaching hospitals, 12 in private hospitals, and 5 in public hospitals.
They averaged 14 years post-fellowship and reported averages of 50 iliac and 40 abdominal aortic procedures a year.
Recruiting both high and low users let the team estimate how a next-generation version might change device use.
Interviews were filmed, giving the client direct access to physician feedback alongside the written findings.
