Abstract

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. Catheter ablations is a commonly adopted treatment for paroxysmal AF.

Objectives

To evaluate the cost effectiveness of cryoballoon ablation versus radiofrequency ablation in patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF in a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to study the effects and costs. Cost and probability input data were obtained mainly from a retrospective real-world study conducted in a tertiary hospital. Propensity score matching was used to overcome retrospective bias. Input data gaps were remedied by means of literature review and advice from experts. A simulation was performed for the post-procedure lifetime years. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

In the base-case analysis of a lifetime time horizon, a patient treated with cryoballoon ablation was associated with 7.85 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and ¥132 222 ($19 913) total costs, whereas a radiofrequency ablation treated patient was associated with 7.71 QALYs and ¥147 304 ($22 184) total costs. The cryoballoon group had slightly better health outcomes (with a difference of 0.14 QALY) and lower total costs (with a difference of ¥15 082) (USD $2 271), and it may be considered as cost-effective or cost-saving strategy (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio -¥110 158 [$16 590] per QALY) for the management of paroxysmal AF. Different scenarios were tested with sensitivity analyses, but still, the outcomes remained cost-effective or cost-saving for cryoballoon ablation.

Conclusions

An economic evaluation based on real-world data suggests that, relative to radiofrequency ablation, cryoballoon ablation may be considered as a more cost-effective or cost-saving long-term strategy for drug-refractory paroxysmal AF in this tertiary hospital in China. However, further evidence is needed using data from large-scale studies in order to reflect a national perspective.