The Use of Half Normal Saline to Shorten Time Required to Achieve Bidirectional Block for the Catheter Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter

Abstract

1). The annual rate of SSE increased form 2006-2010 and has been decreasing in the later years (p¼0.007) while new HF hospitalizations have remained about 2 times higher over time (p¼0.32) and major haemorrhage is unchanged (p¼0.32). Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-Vasc scores were positively associated with increasing risk of adverse outcomes (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in outcome rates across provinces (Table 1). The highest rate of SSE and HF hospitalization was in Prince Edward Island (3.9%, 7.2%, respectively) and lowest in Newfoundland (2.3%, 5.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this landmark assessment of the quality of care for AF/AFL in Canada, we found that although AF/AFL hospitalization rates appear to be decreasing, the stroke risk scores among these patients is increasing. The 1-year risk of new HF is twice as high as that of SSE. Significant geographic differences suggest the need for continued bench-marking and standardized care protocols.