Abstract 15022: Radiofrequency Ablation of Supraventricular Arrhythmias Reduces Physician Visits and Improves Social Functional Status

Abstract

Introduction: Ablation of SVTs is a well established treatment that improves symptoms and quality of life (QOL) and reduces hospitalisations. We report on a pilot project using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess the effect of treatment on interruption of social activities, health care utilisation and time missed from employment.

Methods: We measured various symptom domains using 3 tools: a simple questionnaire, a disease specific tool adapted from the patient perception of arrhythmia questionnaire (PPAQ) and the EQ-5D-5L. Questionnaires were sent retrospectively from three UK centres where patients with a variety of SVTs had undergone ablation between October 2009 and November 2010. These data were recorded independently on the national ablation database.

Results: There was a 74.1% response rate with 477 patients (140 AFL, 124 AVNRT, 32 AT, 35 overt accessory pathways, 14 concealed pathways and 132 AF). For each SVT mechanism there was a significant improvement in QOL assessed by the change in EQ-5D VAS score (AFL 20.4; AVNRT 18.0; AT 13.4; overt AP 11.9; concealed AP 21.0; AF 20.6; all p<0.05). In each group there was also a significant improvement in the number of days curtailed for social activities, work/education was missed and visits to the physician (Table below).

Conclusions: Following ablation in patients with symptomatic SVT there is a significant improvement in the QOL as assessed by PROMs. This improvement translates improves social functional status measured by a reduction in days lost for social activities, work or education, and visits to the physician.