The second Latin American catheter ablation registry ("II LAHRS EP registry")

Abstract

Background: Patient's clinical characteristics, technical resources, center and operator volume, and operator experience and training are known variables impacting outcomes. Although international standards have been agreed to maximize the benefits of this therapy, regional and global differences still exist. Latin American information has not been updated in the last 10 years. This study aimed to analyze current information on operators, centers, and CA in Latin America.

Methods: Observational, retrospective study collecting Latin American information on operators and centers participating in CA, and procedures performed in 2023, from January 1 to December 31.

Results: Electrophysiologists 178 (18 countries). Mean age 46,8 ± 9,2 (28-74) years. Male 86,5%. AFib, VT, and cardioneuroablation were performed by 80,2%, 70,9%, and 35,5% of operators respectively. Centers 175 (17 countries). Private 79,4% and academic 44,0%. Low volume (< 50/year) represented 36,6% and 38,3% performed ≥ 100 ablations/year. Procedures 7.595 (8.284 arrhythmias, 17 countries, 134 centers, 76 electrophysiologists). Patients mean age 51,5 ± 19,3 (1-95) years, male 55,3%, and 77,5% had a structurally normal heart. RF was the energy in 95,6% of procedures, cryoablation in 4,7%, and PFA in 0,2%. The most frequently treated arrhythmias were AFib (28,2%), AVNRT (20,9%), APs (15,8%), and PVC/NSVT (8,3%). Global success and complication rates were 93,6% and 3,0%, respectively and mortality 0,05%.

Conclusion: II LAHRS EP Registry brings new and interesting data related to EP in Latin America. Electrophysiologists showed acceptable levels of experience, skills, and qualification. Although centers revealed an under-ideal availability of infrastructure and technical resources, the results of CA were comparable to other registries worldwide.