Outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation is common among older persons. Catheter ablation is increasingly used in patients for whom medical therapy has failed.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. The main outcome measures were major complications within 30 days and mortality, heart failure, stroke, hospitalization, and repeat ablation within 1 year. A total of 15 423 patients underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Mean age was 72 years; 41% were women; and >95% were white. For every 1000 procedures, there were 17 cases of hemopericardium requiring intervention, 8 cases of stroke, and

SUBMITTER: Piccini JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3500836 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature