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

Compare the 1-year costs of three catheter ablation technologies for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). 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. 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. The 1-year expected hospital visit costs for PAF ablation were lower with ST than with SF or CB.