Variation in Pediatric Post-Ablation Care: A Survey of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES)

Although catheter ablation is a standard treatment for pediatric arrhythmias, there are no consensus guidelines for follow-up care. This study describes the variation in post-ablation practices identified through a survey of the pediatric and congenital electrophysiology society (PACES). Pediatric and congenital electrophysiology society members were invited to participate in an online survey of post-ablation practices in September 2014. Survey questions targeted routine post-ablation practices for three common arrhythmia substrates: atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia, concealed accessory pathways (AP), and manifest APs. Significant practice variation was defined as <90% concordance among respondents. There were 70 respondents from 67 centers, 29 (41%) in practice for <10 years. Uniform practices included aspirin after left side ablation by 65 (93%), immediate post-procedure ECG by 63 (90%), and performance of outpatient follow-up in 69 (99%) including ECG in 97–100% depending on substrate. The majority, 57 (81%), have standardized follow-up independent of substrate. Post-procedural observation is highly variable, with 25 (36%) discharging patients on the day of ablation, 22 (33%) observing patients in hospital overnight, and 21 (30%) basing hospitalization on pre-defined criteria. Immediate post-procedure echo is performed after all ablations in only 16 (23%). Discharge from outpatient care occurs at a median time of 12 months for each arrhythmia substrate. Common post-ablation practices are evident among pediatric electrophysiologists. However, they report significant variation in post-procedure monitoring practices and testing. The rationale for these variances, and their impact on costs and outcomes, should be defined.