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Cost analysis of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Bulent Gorenek1, Gulmira Kudaiberdieva
1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi Eskisehir University, Eskisehir, Turkey. bulent@gorenek.com
Insights
Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is a cost-effective treatment for atrial fibrillation, reducing recurrence and hospitalizations compared to traditional methods. This review examines RFA
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia linked to significant mortality, morbidity, and high healthcare costs, primarily driven by hospitalizations.
- Current pharmacological and invasive rate/rhythm control strategies for AF offer no significant difference in major outcomes.
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) presents a potential alternative with demonstrated benefits in reducing AF recurrence and improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the cost and cost-effectiveness of Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) for managing atrial fibrillation (AF).
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing studies analyzing cost and cost-effectiveness data for RFA in AF patients.
- Comparison of RFA outcomes and costs against pharmacological rhythm control and rate control strategies.
Main Results:
- RFA has shown efficacy in reducing AF recurrence and hospitalization rates compared to conventional treatments.
- Analysis indicates RFA may offer a favorable cost-effectiveness profile in select AF patient populations.
- Hospitalization costs constitute a substantial portion (52%-70%) of overall AF care expenses.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is a promising therapeutic option for atrial fibrillation, demonstrating clinical benefits and potential economic advantages.
- Further cost-effectiveness analyses are crucial to guide optimal patient selection and resource allocation for RFA in AF management.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Its management requires high healthcare expenditures; 52%-70% of expenses for AF care are constituted by hospitalization costs. The current management strategies of pharmacological rhythm control and pharmacological or invasive rate control show no difference in impact on major outcomes in patients with AF. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) has been shown to reduce the risk of AF recurrence, improve quality of life and reduce hospitalization rate as compared to pharmacological rhythm control and rate control strategies. This review summarizes current knowledge on cost and cost-effectiveness analysis of RFA for patients with atrial fibrillation.
