The ACC has launched two new registries for tracking real-world outcomes for the treatment and stroke prevention of patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib): the LAAO Registry, focused on left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures, and the AFib Ablation Registry, with a focus on AFib ablation. With the addition of these registries, the total number of registries under ACC’s NCDR umbrella is now 10. Paul D. Varosy, MD, FACC, the lead physician for the data set development work groups for both registries, explains the plans for these registries moving forward, and how clinicians and their patients will benefit.

Why is the LAAO Registry important?

The LAAO Registry is important because devices to occlude the left atrial appendage with the goal of stroke risk reduction are an entirely new class of devices; the registry will help us understand how these devices are used in real-world practice and their outcomes of care. In addition, the partnership between NCDR in conjunction with professional society partners, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Boston Scientific has created the opportunity to leverage the LAAO Registry infrastructure as the formal FDA-mandated post-approval study for the WATCHMAN device.

How will clinicians and patients benefit from the registry?

I think we will all benefit from a clear understanding of how these devices are being used. A registry will help to ensure that we are providing FDA-labeling concordant care, and I firmly believe that a registry such as this one will ensure that the quality of care is as high as it can be for patients receiving these devices. The fact that this registry was launched from the very beginning of the implementation of this transformative therapy is very exciting, indeed!

What are the plans for the registry moving forward?

For the long-term, beyond the post-approval WATCHMAN device study, the registry will serve as a sustainable clinical registry for all patients undergoing occlusion of the left atrial appendage, regardless of the device manufacturer. Over time, the registry will also be well poised to understand how real-world practice evolves beyond the clinical trials.

Why is it particularly important to have a registry focused on AFib ablation?

We currently have relatively little understanding of how catheter ablation of AFib is being performed in the real world, beyond the fact that its use is growing, nor do we have a good understanding of the outcomes associated with this procedure in real-world practice. The AFib Ablation Registry could address both of these issues effectively.

Since the prevalence of AFib is growing, how will clinicians, practices and patients benefit from this registry?

A better understanding of our practices and outcomes will be an important step toward measuring and improving the quality of AFib ablation care, and a clinical registry, such as the AFib Ablation Registry, will provide a standardized process for collecting these data.

What is your ultimate goal for the registry?

Patients, clinicians, hospitals and payers are all interested in understanding and improving safety and efficacy of AFib ablation in the community setting. The AFib Ablation Registry is well poised to help achieve these goals.

Keywords: ACC Publications, ACC Annual Scientific Session, Atrial Fibrillation, Catheter Ablation, Heart Conduction System, Prevalence, Registries, Risk Reduction Behavior, Stroke

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