Cost comparison of radiofrequency catheter ablation versus cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in hospitals using both technologies.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the cost of radiofrequency (RF) ablation vs cryoablation (Cryo) for atrial fibrillation (AF).


METHODS
This retrospective cohort study used 2013-2014 records from the Premier Healthcare Database for adults with AF catheter ablation. Exclusions included non-AF ablation, surgical ablation, valve replacement or repair, or cardiac implant. Hospitals were required to perform ≥20 procedures using each technology, with the technology identifiable in at least 90% of cases. The primary endpoint was total variable visit cost, modeled separately for inpatient and outpatient visits, and adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. Technology was categorized as RF or Cryo, with dual-technology procedures classified as Cryo. The Cryo cohort was further divided into Cryo only and Cryo with RF for sensitivity analyses. A composite adverse event endpoint was also compared.


RESULTS
A total of 1261 RF procedures and 1276 Cryo procedures, of which 500 also used RF, met study criteria. RF patients were slightly older and sicker, and had more cardiovascular disease and additional arrhythmias. Adjusted inpatient costs were $2803 (30.0%) higher for Cryo, and adjusted outpatient costs were $2215 (19.5%) higher. Sensitivity models showed higher costs in both Cryo sub-groups compared with RF. Procedural complication rates were not significantly different between cohorts (p-values: 0.4888 inpatient, 0.5072 outpatient).


CONCLUSION
AF ablation using RF results in significantly lower costs compared with Cryo, despite an RF population with more cardiovascular disease. This saving cannot be attributed to a difference in complication rates.
['Hunter|Tina D|TD|', 'Palli|Swetha R|SR|', 'Rizzo|John A|JA|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D001281:Atrial Fibrillation D017115:Catheter Ablation D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis D003452:Cryosurgery D005260:Female D006760:Hospitalization D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008485:Medical Audit D008875:Middle Aged D012189:Retrospective Studies D016896:Treatment Outcome D055815:Young Adult
Cost comparison Radiofrequency catheter ablation Cryoablation Atrial fibrillation