Abstract 16999: Supraventricular Tachycardia Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation is Associated with a Decrease in Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits Post-Procedure

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ablation of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is commonly performed in patients symptomatic on medical therapy. The impact of SVT ablation on resource utilization, rehospitalization and emergency department (ED) visit rates, remains unknown. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) radiofrequency catheter ablation were identified (excluding atrial fibrillation). All patients were members of an integrated pre-paid health plan in Southern California. Subjects were required to have at least 12 months of health plan membership prior to and after the procedure date. The number of all-cause hospitalizations and ED visits 12-months before and after the procedure date were ascertained for each subject. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of a decrease in hospitalizations and ED visits post-SVT ablation. RESULTS: There were 1928 patients meeting study criteria who underwent SVT ablation between 1999 and 2010. The mean age was 52 ± 17 years and 58% were female. In the 12-months preceding the ablation procedure, 75% of the patients had at least one hospitalization or ED visit; in contrast, only 35% had one hospitalization or ED visit in the 12-months post-ablation. The incidence rate ratio was 0.47 (0.43 - 0.51; p<0.001), corresponding to a 53% reduction in hospitalizations or ED visits post-ablation. This reduction in events post-ablation was observed for all age groups; however, the reduction was greatest in younger patients (see figure). CONCLUSIONS: Ablation of supraventricular tachycardia was associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause hospitalizations and ED visits post-procedure. These data suggest SVT ablation is highly efficacious and cost-effective in appropriate patients.