Abstract
Purpose :
E-commerce and expedited shipping have changed the landscape of patient options for access to face-down support systems (FDSS) for vitrectomy. The purpose is to compare the latest types of FDSS, their cost, and their expedited availability. A comparative analysis will help optimize patient preoperative counseling, help understand options to ensure positioning compliance post-operatively, and reduce cost surprises.
Methods :
A Google search for “face down positioning equipment” and an Amazon search for “face down support” was conducted. On Amazon a search filter was used for products with a ≥ 4-star rating. A comprehensive list of FDSS was compiled. The device cost, shipping costs, option to rent vs. buy, and availability of next-day delivery were reviewed. The 1-week and 2-week costs for each FDSS was calculated.
Results :
Three categories of FDSS were identified: face supports, seated supports, and sleep supports. Three online medical device companies were identified that offer FDSS (Table 1). Next-day shipping was available from two companies. On Amazon there were two popular FDSS available with free shipping through Amazon Prime. Table 2 provides a comparison of 1-week and 2-week costs. Regardless of shipping method, the most cost-effective FDSS type is a face support. Among ground shipped devices, the least expensive face/seated/sleep support package is The Standard Comfort Package 2. The most affordable option with next-day delivery is the face support from Vitrectomy.com. At 2 weeks it becomes less expensive to purchase this device. The Vitrectomy.com Ultimate Vitrectomy Package is the only face/seated/sleep support available with next-day shipping.
Conclusions :
Patients that can wait for ground shipment have a number of FDSS options. Patients in need of next-day delivery have fewer options and will encounter significant delivery costs. These may be prohibitory for some patients as health insurance does not routinely cover FDSS. The optimal FDSS for a given patient will ultimately depend on their individual needs. This analysis helps vitreoretinal surgeons and their patients understand what FDSS options are available. The data can streamline preoperative counseling and increase the transparency of FDSS costs. In turn, this could lead to increased FDSS adoption, better positioning compliance, and possibly improved surgical outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.