Safety and cost of outpatient radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia and health resource utilization and expenditures: A propensity-matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few data are available regarding temporal patterns of health resource utilization (HRU) and expenditures among patients undergoing catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). This study aimed to describe expenditures and HRU in patients with PSVT who underwent catheter ablation compared to a matched cohort of patients on medical therapy alone.

METHODS

Using a large US administrative database, we identified adult patients (age 18 to 65 years) with a new PSVT diagnosis between 2008 and 2016. Propensity-score matching was used to assemble a PSVT cohort treated with ablation or medical therapy alone (N = 2556). Longitudinal trends in HRU and expenditures in the 3-years preceding and following PSVT diagnosis were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in expenditures between groups except within the first year after PSVT diagnosis: $48,004 ablation vs. $17,560 medical therapy (p < 0.001). This difference was driven by procedural expenditures, where the mean cost of catheter ablation was $32,057 ± SD 26,737. In Years 2 and 3 post-ablation, HRU and expenditures decreased to the levels associated with the medical therapy group, although fewer ablation patients required any prescription for beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs (32% ablation vs. 42% medical therapy group, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Catheter ablation reduces medication burden in PSVT, yet health resource use and expenditures were similar beyond 2 years post-ablation when compared to PSVT patients on medical therapy alone. Additional studies are required to better understand drivers of these sustained health expenditures, and barriers to achieving cost-savings for a potentially curative procedure.

Efficacy and safety of same-day discharge after atrial fibrillation ablation compared with post-procedural overnight stay: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has historically required inpatient admission post-procedure, but same-day discharge (SDD) has recently been reported. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SDD compared with overnight stay (OS) post-ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed database. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy (successful SDD) and safety (24 h complications, 30-day complications, 30-day re-admissions, and 30-day mortality) of a SDD AF ablation strategy. Fourteen non-randomized observational studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 26488 patients undergoing AF ablation, of whom 9766 were SDD. The mean age of participants was 61.9 years, and 67.9% were male. Around 61.7% underwent ablation for paroxysmal AF. The pooled success rate of SDD was 83.2% [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 61.5-97.0%, I2 100%]. The risk of bias was severe for all effect estimates due to confounding, as most cohorts were retrospectively identified without appropriately matched comparators. There was no significant difference in 30-day complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% CI: 0.65-1.40, I2 53%] or 30-day re-admission (OR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.49-1.89, I2 82%) between groups. There were insufficient data for meta-analysis of 24 h complications and 30-day mortality. Where reported, no re-admissions occurred due to 24 h complications after SDD. Two deaths (0.04%) were reported in both SDD and OS groups.

CONCLUSION

Same-day discharge after AF ablation appears to be an effective and safe strategy in selected patients. However, the available evidence is of low quality, and more robust prospective studies comparing SDD to OS are needed.

Feasibility and safety of same-day home discharge after radiofrequency catheter ablation

Interventional cardiology in a day-case setting might reduce logistic constraints on hospital resources. However, in contrast with coronary angioplasty, few data support the feasibility and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA). The aim of this prospective, multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of RCA in 1,342 patients (814 men; mean age 57 +/- 17 years) considered eligible for ambulatory RCA, according to specific set of criteria, for common atrial flutter (n = 632), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (n = 436), accessory pathways (n = 202), and atrial tachycardia (n = 72). Patients suitable for early discharge (4 to 6 hours after uncomplicated RCA) were scheduled for 1-month follow-up. Predictive factors for delayed complications were studied by multivariate analysis. Of the 1,342 enrolled patients, 1,270 (94.6%) were discharged the same day and followed for 1 month; no deaths occurred, and the readmission rate was 0.79% (95% confidence interval 0.30% to 1.27%). Six patients had significant puncture complications, 2 presented with symptomatic delayed pulmonary embolism, and 2 had new onset of poorly tolerated atrial flutter. None of these complications was life threatening. Multivariate analysis did not identify any significant independent predictors for delayed complications. In conclusion, these data suggest that same-day discharge after uncomplicated RCA for routine supraventricular arrhythmias is safe and may be applicable in clinical practice. This approach is known to be associated with significant patient satisfaction and cost savings and can be considered a first-line option in most patients who undergo routine ablation procedures.

Cost analysis of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

RF ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a curative treatment, which when successful, eliminates the need to take antiarrhythmic drugs, be anticoagulated, and have recurrent physician visits or hospital admissions. The authors performed a retrospective cost comparison of RF ablation versus drug therapy for PAF. The study population consisted of 118 consecutive patients with symptomatic, drug refractory PAF who underwent 1.52 +/- 0.71 RF ablation procedures (range 1-4) for PAF. During a follow-up of 32 +/- 15 weeks, 85 (72%) patients remained free of clinical recurrence in absence of antiarrhythmic drugs. The cost of RF ablation was calculated in the year 2001 euros on the basis of resource use. The mean cost of pharmacologic treatment prior to ablation was 1,590 euros/patient per year. The initial cost of RF ablation for PAF was 4,715 euros, then 445 euros/year. After 5 years, the cost of RF ablation was below that of ongoing medical management, and continued to diverge thereafter. RF catheter ablation may be a cost-effective alternative to long-term drug therapy in patients with symptomatic, drug refractory PAF.

Safety and efficacy of outpatient transseptal radiofrequency ablation of atrioventricular accessory pathways

A retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients who underwent outpatient transseptal radiofrequency ablation of left sided accessory pathways at Westchester County Medical Center/New York Medical College from September 1994 to December 1997 was performed. Patients were followed for a mean duration of 22 months. No complications either local or related to the transseptal method were observed. All patients had successful ablation of the accessory pathway. One patient had a recurrence of symptoms. This study suggests transseptal radiofrequency ablation of the left sided accessory pathways to be safe, feasible and an effective procedure when performed in an outpatient setting. These results were obtained at a high volume center with experience using the transseptal technique.

[Ambulatory catheter ablation. Indications, results and risks]

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of outpatient radiofrequency catheter ablation in 162 consecutive patients. There were 83 men and 79 women at a mean age of 47 + 15 years; 13 patients underwent 2 and 1 patient 3 ablation procedures. In 167 cases patients suffered from highly symptomatic paroxysmal tachycardia associated with presyncope or syncope in 74. Severe palpitations were present in 7 cases and recurrent syncope in 1 case. One patient had an asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with a shortest RR-interval during atrial fibrillation of 150 ms. The mechanism of tachycardia was found to be atrioventricular nodal reentry in 78 cases, atrioventricular reentry involving an accessory atrioventricular pathway in 56, atrial fibrillation in 16, atrial flutter of the common type in 15, ectopic atrial tachycardia in 8, and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in 3. Catheter ablation was performed in these 176 cases at an overall success rate of 86%. In 148 cases patients could be treated on an outpatient basis and were discharged after a maximal observation time of 3 hours in 28, and 24 hours in another 120 cases. Short-term follow-up was uneventful in these patients. After 28 ablation procedures patients had to be admitted to the hospital, because of pain at the puncture sites or after pacemaker implantation in 15 cases, because of minor complications in 12, and because of pericardial tamponade in 1 case. Another severe complication occurred in 1 patient after successful ablation of right atrial tachycardia. Three days after discharge the patient suffered from pulmonary embolism originating from a thrombus at the ablation site. After hospital admission the patient recovered completely. In general, complication rate was 2.27%. This study shows that catheter ablation can be performed effectively and safety on an outpatient basis.

Outpatient radiofrequency catheter ablation

Outpatient radiofrequency catheter ablation has been shown to be safe and cost effective in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias due to atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and atrioventricular reentry tachycardia. Complications secondary to vascular access are similar to those during outpatient cardiac catheterization procedures. Specific complications due to catheter manipulation and radiofrequency ablation include among others cardiac tamponade, AV block and proarrhythmia. Proper patient selection can help to prevent specific complications in outpatient ablations. Patients probably not suitable for outpatient procedures include the elderly as well as comorbid patients. Not all ablation procedures are suitable for the outpatient setting. Ablation procedures with an increased risk of AV block or proarrhythmia should not be performed on an outpatient basis. In order to effectively perform outpatient procedures a back up support with specially trained personnel is helpful. Radiofrequency ablations require considerable experience, therefore ablation procedures int he outpatient setting should be restricted to operators with adequate experience.

Safety and feasibility of same day discharge in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation

We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients who were discharged the same day and compared them with patients staying overnight. For most tachyarrhythmias, it is safe and feasible to discharge patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation on the same day.

Cost effectiveness of day stay versus inpatient radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

BACKGROUND

It is well established that radiofrequency (RF) ablation is the most cost effective treatment strategy for patients with supraventricular tachycardia. Previous cost estimates assumed at least an overnight stay following RF ablation. Day stay RF ablation however appears to be a safe alternative.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare day stay and inpatient catheter ablation in terms of cost, efficacy and safety.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cost effectiveness analysis. The study population consisted of 25 consecutive patients who underwent day stay RF ablation and 25 consecutive patients who underwent inpatient RF ablation (historical controls). Economic analysis was based upon a detailed clinical costing.

RESULTS

The mean overall cost per patient of inpatient RF ablation in 1994 Australian dollar values is $2354 (SD, $642) compared with $1876 (SD, $595) for day stay RF ablation (p < 0.01). Day stay RF ablation is a cost effective alternative to inpatient RF ablation.

NASPE/ACC/AHA/ESC medical/scientific statement special report--clinical investigation of antiarrhythmic devices: a statement for healthcare professionals from a Joint Task Force of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Working Groups on Arrhythmias and Cardiac Pacing of the European Society of Cardiology

The goal of radiofrequency catheter ablation and the criterion for efficacy is the elimination of arrhythmogenic myocardium. The application of radiofrequency current in the heart clearly results in lower morbidity and mortality rates than thoracic and cardiac surgical procedures in general, and comparisons of therapy with radiofrequency catheter ablation and therapy with thoracic and cardiac surgical procedures in randomized clinical trials are unwarranted. Trials of radiofrequency catheter ablation versus medical or implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy may be indicated in certain conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia associated with coronary artery disease. Randomized trials are recommended for new and radical departures in technology that aim to accomplish the same goals as radiofrequency catheter ablation. Surveillance using registries and/or databases is necessary in the assessment of long-term safety and efficacy.

Clinical investigation of antiarrhythmic devices. A statement for healthcare professionals from a joint task force of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Working Groups on Arrhythmias and Cardiac Pacing of the European Society of Cardiology

The goal of radiofrequency catheter ablation and the criterion for efficacy is the elimination of arrhythmogenic myocardium. The application of radiofrequency current in the heart clearly results in lower morbidity and mortality rates than thoracic and cardiac surgical procedures in general, and comparisons of therapy with radiofrequency catheter ablation and therapy with thoracic and cardiac surgical procedures in randomized clinical trials is unwarranted. Trials of radiofrequency catheter ablation versus medical or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy may be indicated in certain conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia associated with coronary artery disease. Randomized trials are recommended for new and radical departures in technology that aim to accomplish the same goals as radiofrequency catheter ablation. Surveillance using registries and/or databases is necessary in the assessment of long-term safety and efficacy.