Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
33.5K
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Catheter Ablation Utilization for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and
Waseem Nosair1, Liza Shaban2, Marc El Khoury2
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
JACC. Advances
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Racial and ethnic disparities in catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation are confirmed, with minority groups less likely to receive the procedure. Significant study heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized definitions and methods to understand and address these disparities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Health Services Research
- Health Equity
Background:
- Racial and ethnic disparities in catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) are documented.
- Inconsistent estimates of these disparities hinder understanding of their root causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify CA utilization disparities by race/ethnicity.
- Explore sources of heterogeneity in existing research.
- Recommend standardized definitions and methods for future studies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL) up to January 2024.
- Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and survival data using random-effects models.
- Evaluation of heterogeneity via qualitative synthesis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Eighteen studies were included; none defined disparity or data sources.
- Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic/LatinX, and Asian patients were less likely to receive CA compared to non-Hispanic White patients.
- High heterogeneity was observed, likely due to variations in populations, methods, and risk adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Evidence confirms racial and ethnic disparities in CA utilization for AF.
- Significant heterogeneity across studies necessitates standardized definitions and covariate adjustment.
- Standardization is crucial to accurately assess disparities and identify mechanisms for intervention.
