OBJECTIVES

Catheter ablation has been shown to be an effective treatment approach among patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). This study examined the baseline characteristics of patients undergoing VT ablation in the United States (US) using a nationally representative inpatient database.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was used. Patients (aged ≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of VT (ischemic or non-ischemic) who underwent catheter ablation in an inpatient setting between 2011-2014 were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and hospital characteristics were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 9,476 patients met the study criteria. The average age remained largely consistent from 61.3 years in 2011 and 62.81 years in 2014, while the proportion of males increased from 74% to 78% between 2011 and 2014. Proportion of patients with comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure increased from 24%, 59%, and 39% in 2011 to 53%, 84%, and 56% in 2014, respectively. Proportion of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/ implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) increased from 52% in 2011 to 58% in 2014. In terms of payer, the proportion of Medicare patients increased from 49% to 56% from 2011 to 2014. In terms of hospital status, the proportion of VT ablation occurring in small-medium bed size hospitals increased from 16% in 2011 to 29% in 2014. Urban teaching hospital proportion increased from 82% in 2011 to 88% in 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in baseline characteristics among VT ablation patients was observed over the years. Patients in more recent years seem to have higher comorbidity burden.