Johnson & Johnson’s Biosense Webster today announced data supporting the use of catheter ablation in AFib patients.
The study, funded by the Irvine, California-based company, looked at heart failure incidence risks in AFib patients. It compared the use of catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Looking at non-specific catheter claims information, it showed catheter ablation’s association with lower heart failure risks compared to AAD only.
Biosense Webster says that several clinical studies highlight catheter ablation as a safe and superior alternative to AAD when performed appropriately. However, the company says less than 5% of the eligible population receive the procedure.
The study used the 2014-2022 Optum Clinformatics database to identify adult patients with AFib who previously used AAD. It classified them into two cohorts: those treated with catheter ablation versus those who received an AAD. The study matched the groups on socio-demographic and clinical covariates using the propensity score matching technique. Each cohort had 9,246 patients.
Biosense Webster said the findings showed that catheter ablation patients had a 57% lower risk of incident heart failure compared to AAD. The lower risk proved consistent across all race/ethnicity and sex categories evaluated.
“The results from this study underscore the positive, life-changing impact catheter ablation can have for people with AFib,” said Jasmina Brooks, president, Biosense Webster. “At Biosense Webster, we are proud of our legacy of helping electrophysiologists elevate the standard of care and are continuing to generate scientific evidence to advance new solutions and approaches to help those with AFib live the lives they want.”
