P2837Day-case complex left atrial ablation is safe and cost-effective: experience from a UK tertiary centre

Background

Day-case standard catheter ablation is becoming routine. However, patients having complex left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) or left atrial tachycardia (LAT) often stay overnight. We have been performing day-case complex left atrial ablation since 2015.

Purpose

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of day-case complex left atrial ablation compared with those who stayed overnight.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all consecutive complex left atrial ablations performed in a UK tertiary cardiac centre between 2010–2018. Data were collected on baseline parameters, procedure details including mapping technique, ablation strategy, immediate efficacy, and acute complications.

Results

A total of 830 complex left atrial catheter ablations were performed; mean age±SD=60±12 years, 63% male. The majority were AF ablation (n=804, 96.9%), with the rest being LAT/left-atrial flutter. Of the AF cases, 545 were paroxysmal (≤7 days), 212 persistent (>7 days) and 47 long-standing (>1yr); 98% of cases were elective. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all; additional LA lines were done in 163, CTI ablation in 129 and CFAEs in 33. 3D-mapping (Carto/Precision)=44.7% (with contact sensing=38.0%), PVAC=18.7%, PVI cryo-balloon=36.6%. Of the cohort 331 (39.9%) were done as day-case. Acute success= 94.9%, acute complications=4.58% (femoral site complications, n=12; pericardial effusion, n=19 (9 needing drain); stroke/cerebral embolus, n=3; phrenic nerve palsy, n=5; first degree heart block, n=1). Comparison of day-case vs non day-case revealed no significant difference in number of complications (Table 1). An overnight stay at out hospital costs £350. During the period of study our institution saved £115.850 (∼140,000 euros).

Day-case vs non day-case ablation Parameters Day-case (n=331) Non day-case (n=499) p-value Mean age ± SD (years) 61.2±11.6 59.1±11.9 0.009 Males (n, %) 205 (61.9%) 321 (64.3%) 0.484 Normal heart (n, %) 243 (73.4%) 383 (76.8%) 0.276 Paroxysmal AF (n, %) 218 (65.9%) 327 (65.5%) 0.928 Fluoroscopy time (mins) 23.8±13.9 27.0±14.5 0.001 Procedure time (mins) 150±89.6 163±68.2 0.025 % with 3D-mapping 30.8% 56.9% <0.001 Acute complications (n, %) 12 (3.63%) 26 (5.21%) 0.285

Conclusions

Day-case complex left atrial cardiac ablation is safe and effective. It is associated with good clinical outcomes and leads to significant cost savings as an overnight stay is not needed.

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