Details of HTA project
Last updated: 5 August 2008 - Next update due: 12 August 2008
Research type: |
HTA Technology Assessment Report |
Project title: |
Curative catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter |
Project ref: |
06/13/01 |
Cost: |
This project has been commissioned by the HTA programme on a call-off contract basis. |
Chief Investigator : |
NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), University of York |
Start Date: |
April 2006. |
Publication date: |
October 2008. This project is at the editorial review stage. Delays in the review process can cause the forecast publication date to be delayed. |
Plain English Summary |
A normal heart rhythm is the result of an electrical impulse passing through the heart tissue. There are many different types of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrythmia. Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are specific arhythmias that occur because of areas of abnormal heart tissue which cause disruption to the heart's electrical system. Lifelong drug treatment is considered to be standard therapy for these conditions, but it may not completely stop the arrhythmias. Catheter ablation is a relatively new invasive technique that can be considered for patients who have found drug therapy to be ineffective or unsafe. It is based on the idea that by ablating, or destroying, abnormal tissue areas in the heart, the electrical system can be repaired and the heart will return to a normal rhythm. Catheter ablation involves advancing a flexible catheter into the blood vessels and into the heart to reach the abnormal heart tissue. Ablation energy, such as radiofrequency electrical energy, is then sent through the catheter into the abnormal heart tissue. This results in a tiny scar being created in the small area of heart tissue under the tip of the ablation catheter. As a result, this tissue is no longer capable of sustaining the arrhythmia. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation usually involves tissue around the pulmonary veins, whereas for atrial flutter, a specific area of the right atrium is targeted. The aim of this project is to systematically review existing studies to determine how effective and safe catheter ablation is for atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter. The project will also investigate, through the use of an economic model, whether these treatments are cost effective in UK practice. |
Abstract: |
Although still developing, techniques of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and typical atrial flutter are fairly well established and entrenched in clinical practice. These techniques are anatomically, rather than electrically, based. Questions remain regarding their clinical efficacy and the risk of complications and serious adverse effects. The cost-effectiveness of these procedures has yet to be established. Although catheter ablation has been used in these other atrial arrhythmias, nothing like an evaluable standard technique has yet emerged: the technique used in individual patients being adapted according to the results of the electrophysiological testing. Thus no single technique is available for an economic evaluation. The aim of this project is to determine the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for the curative treatment of (a) atrial fibrillation and (b) typical atrial flutter. The National Co-ordinating Centre for HTA commissioned this technology assessement report on behalf of the HTA Programme Director and the Policy Research Programme. |
MeSH* index primary terms: |
CATHETER-ABLATION Q-methods; ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION Q-therapy |
MeSH* index secondary terms: |
HUMANS; ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY Q-methods |
NRR* number, if applicable: |
N0484184711 (*National Research Register) |
Project Protocol: |
Project protocol not available |
URL of this page: |
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1539 |
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