Cardiovascular Hospitalizations and Resource Use Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Background Over the next few years, atrial fibrillation (AF)-related morbidity and costs will increase significantly. Thus, it is prudent to examine the impact of AF treatment on health care resource use. This study examined the impact of AF ablation on hospitalization, length of stay, and resource use for patients undergoing AF ablation in a multihospital system. Methods and Results In an observational analysis, outcomes of total, cardiovascular, and AF hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and length of stay were compared for 3417 patients between 12 months before and 24 months following AF ablation. Use of electrical cardioversions and antiarrhythmic use were also compared 1 year before to 2 years after AF ablation. There were fewer total (0.7±1.3 versus 0.3±0.7;