Journal article
Atrial fibrillation ablation leads to long-term improvement of quality of life and reduced utilization of healthcare resources
Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology, Vol.8(1), pp.59-64
2003
DOI: 10.1023/A:1022348216072
PMID: 12652179
Abstract
In some patients, rapid activation from one or several foci can lead to atrial fibrillation. This study evaluated long-term changes in quality of life and healthcare resource utilization in patients with atrial fibrillation treated by ablation of focal triggers. Thirty-three patients underwent ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Health surveys (SF-36) were obtained at baseline, and after 1 year and 3 years of follow-up. Health care costs were measured for the 3 years before and after ablation. Ablation was successful in 82%, partially successful in 12% (no sustained episodes but on antiarrhythmic drug therapy), and unsuccessful in 6% of patients. The average number of ablation procedures was 1.6±0.6 per patient. After ablation, patients reported significantly improved quality of life in all SF-36 categories except bodily pain. Healthcare resource utilization was significantly reduced after ablation (Clinic visits: 7.4±2.5 per year vs. 1.1±0.6 per year, p < 0.05; Emergency room visits: 1.7±0.90 per year vs. 0.03±0.17 per year, p < 0.05; Hospitalization: 1.6±0.81 vs. 0, p < 0.05). Cost of healthcare (not including procedural costs) was significantly reduced after ablation (Pre-ablation: $1,920±889/year vs. post-ablation: $87 ±68/year; p < 0.01). Procedural cost of ablation was $17,173 i ± 2,466/patient. Ablation of focal triggers of atrial fibrillation is associated with a sustained improvement in quality of life. Although the initial cost of ablation is high, after ablation, utilization of healthcare resources is significantly reduced.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Atrial fibrillation ablation leads to long-term improvement of quality of life and reduced utilization of healthcare resources
- Creators
- Andrea Goldberg - Lovelace Medical CenterMichael Menen - University of New MexicoSteven Mickelsen - Lovelace Medical CenterChamisa Macindoe - Lovelace Medical CenterMario Binder - University of New MexicoRosella Nawman - Lovelace Medical CenterGail West - Lovelace Medical CenterFred M Kusumoto - University of New Mexico
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology, Vol.8(1), pp.59-64
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1023/A:1022348216072
- PMID
- 12652179
- ISSN
- 1383-875X
- eISSN
- 1572-8595
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2003
- Academic Unit
- Cardiovascular Medicine; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984359782902771
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