Short term outcomes associated with inpatient ventricular tachycardia catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of catheter ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) has steadily increased in recent years. Exploring short term outcomes is vital in health care planning and resource allocation. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database from 2010 to 2014 was queried using the ICD-9 codes for VT (427.1) and catheter ablation (37.34) to identify study population. Incidence, causes of 30-day readmission, in-hospital complications as well as predictors of 30-day readmissions, complications, and cost of care were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 11725 patients who survived to discharge after index admission for VT ablation,1911 (16.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. Paroxysmal VT was the most common cause of 30-day readmission (39.51%). Dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous CABG, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic pulmonary disease and anemia predicted increased risk of 30-day readmissions. The overall in-hospital complication rate was 8.2% with vascular and cardiac complications being the most common. Coexisting CKD and CHF and the need for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) predicted higher complication rates. Similarly increasing age, CKD, CHF, anemia, in-hospital use of MCS or left heart catheterization, teaching hospital and disposition to nursing facilities predicted higher cost. CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 in 6 patients were readmitted after VT ablation, with paroxysmal VT being the most common cause of the readmission. A complication rate of 8.2% was noted. We also identified a predictive model for increased risk of readmission, complication, and factors influencing the cost of care which can be utilized to improve the outcomes related to VT ablation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.