Cost minimization analysis of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by catheter technology

J Comp Eff Res. 2019 Mar;8(4):241-249. doi: 10.2217/cer-2018-0110. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Abstract

Aim: Compare the 1-year costs of three catheter ablation technologies for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).

Materials & methods: A decision tree model was developed to estimate 1-year hospital costs associated with an index and potential repeat PAF ablation procedure using the Thermocool® Smarttouch® Catheter (ST), Thermocool SF Catheter (SF) or Arctic Front Advance Cryoballoon (CB). Model parameters were estimated using the results of two recently published studies.

Results: The ST resulted in average per-patient savings for combined inpatient and outpatient populations of US$1488 and US$4494 compared with SF and CB, respectively. These cost savings were greater in the inpatient setting.

Conclusion: The 1-year expected hospital visit costs for PAF ablation were lower with ST than with SF or CB.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; decision tree simulation model; radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrial Fibrillation / economics*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / economics*
  • Cost Savings / methods*
  • Cost Savings / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Hospital Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome