Abstract 12814: Impact of Obesity on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in the United States: In-Hospital and 30-day Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) has been increasingly performed. While it is estimated that 42% of adults in the United States are obese, the impact of obesity on VT ablation procedures remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the procedural outcomes and 30-day readmission among non-obese and obese patients who underwent catheter ablation of VT. Method: Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, our study included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent catheter ablation for VT between 2017 and 2020. The study cohort was stratified into non-obese (BMI < 30kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m 2 ). The in-hospital procedural outcome and 30-day readmission were analyzed between these groups. Results: Our study included a total of 835 obese patients (19.7%) and 3393 non-obese patients (80.3%). Obese group had a higher rate of prolonged length of stay (>7 days) (37.6% vs 31.2%, p<0.01) and a higher cost of hospitalization ($39 983 vs $37 015, p<0.01). Overall, there were no significant differences in early mortality (4.5% vs 3.8%, p=0.45). Apart from increased vascular complications in the obese group (1.8% vs 0.9%, p=0.03), there were no significant differences in other procedural complications between both groups. There were no significant differences in 30-day readmission rates between obese and non-obese groups (15.5% vs 14.1%, p=0.38). Additional analysis performed in the obese group revealed a non-significant decreasing trend in early mortality rate post-procedurally (5.4% to 4.8%, P trend = 0.66). On multivariable analysis, heart failure was associated with a higher risk of 30-day readmission in obese patients (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.01-3.99; p=0.05). Conclusion: Our study suggests that catheter ablation for VT can be performed relatively safely in obese patients without significant differences in 30-day mortality and readmission outcomes. Patients should not be excluded from VT ablation on the basis of obesity.