(K) Catheter Ablation Procedure Using Advanced Porous Tip Contact-Force Sensing Radiofrequency Catheter: Impact on Healthcare Utilization Among Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Publication Number: 1010

Background: The THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF (STSF) catheter (Biosense Webster Inc.), with an advanced irrigation and contact force (CF)-sensing radiofrequency technology, is approved for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact on healthcare utilization among patients with PsAF treated with the STSF catheter.

Methods: Using the 2016-2020 Premier Hospital Database, a multi-center, nationwide hospital billing data, patients (aged ≥18 years) with PsAF who had catheter ablation procedure with the STSF catheter were identified. Changes in healthcare utilization including AF-related inpatient admissions, outpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and electrical cardioversion visits in the 12-month period pre-versus-post-index ablation were assessed. McNemar’s test was used to examine changes in proportion of patients experiencing study outcomes.

Results: Final sample included 3,077 patients. Almost 75% of patients were aged ≥60 years, and 68% were male. In the 12-month post versus pre-ablation period, a 55% relative reduction in the proportion of patients experiencing AF-related inpatient admissions (p < 0.0001), 39% reduction in outpatient admissions (p < 0.0001), 52% reduction in ED visits (p < 0.0001), and 61% reduction in electrical cardioversions (p < 0.0001) was observed. Composite outcome declined by 40% in the 12-month post-versus-pre ablation period (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Significant reductions in healthcare utilization in the 12-month post-versus-pre-ablation period occurred for patients with PsAF treated with STSF catheter, thereby alleviating burden on patients, payors, and providers.