Assessment of endocavitary ablation of tachycardia by cryotherapy - INAHTA Brief

The request for assessment came from the Association of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM). It concerns the assessment of endocavitary ablation of tachycardia by cryotherapy. In 2006, the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) assessed methods of tachycardia ablation, and radiofrequency was the only technique retained; cryoablation was considered an investigational method.

The goal of the assessment is to determine, given the new data published since 2006, whether cryoablation is a valid method in endocavitary ablation of tachycardia compared to radiofrequency, and to specify whether it can be used in the same indications as the latter. Currently, the wording of the Joint classification of medical procedures (CCAM) describes ablation procedures for arrhythmia, but only by radiofrequency (RF). The arguments must therefore assess whether cryoablation can be included in supplement to RF in the CCAM to allow for reimbursement thereof.