Variation and clinical consequences of wait-times for atrial fibrillation ablation: population level study in Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder. Emerging evidence supporting the efficacy of catheter ablation in managing AF has led to increased demand for this therapy, potentially outpacing the capacity to perform this procedure. Mismatch between demand and capacity for AF ablation results in wait-times which have not been comprehensively evaluated at a population level. Additionally, the consequences of such delays in AF ablation, namely the risk of hospitalization or adverse events, have not been studied.

Methods and results

This observational cohort study included adults referred for catheter ablation to treat AF in Ontario, Canada, between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2020. Wait-time was defined from referral to the earliest of ablation, death,

SUBMITTER: Qeska D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10227764 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature