[Left-heart catheterization followed by other invasive procedures: Regional comparisons reveal peculiar differences].

Background And Aims: Diagnostic left heart catheterization (LHC) is recommended if the therapeutic consequences of a bypass operation or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are being considered. The present study examines regional differences in healthcare provision and therapeutic consequences of LHC, differentiated by counties and hospitals of the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. In addition, it looks at which patient-related factors influence the proportion of follow-up interventions. The relation between the rates of LHC, interventions and hospital discharge due to myocardial infarction is examined.

Methods: The data of 9,791 individuals having statutory health insurance coverage by the AOK Saxony-Anhalt with 10,906 anonymized inpatient cases of LHCs in 2011 were followed until 12/31/2012, and it was examined whether they subsequently received a coronary bypass or PCI. The data was used to compare both the counties of Saxony-Anhalt (according to residence, adjusted for age and sex) and their hospitals. Regression analysis was run to identify determinants of receiving a LHC without consequences.

Results: Overall, 54.2 % of the patients with LHC had no invasive follow-up intervention. Regression analysis showed an approximately linear relationship for the counties: the number of LHCs provided correlates with the number of LHCs requiring no PCI or bypass within a period of at least 12 months. Regional LHC rates are not correlated with hospitalizations due to acute myocardial infarction. No bypass or PCI in the follow-up period was reported for 37 to 85 % of the cases, depending on the hospital providing the LHC. Women and younger patients have a higher risk to undergo LHC without therapeutic impact.

Discussion: The analysis indicates that there are specific regions in Saxony-Anhalt and diagnoses where the indications for LHC should be more conservative. However, more detailed analyses are needed to verify the identified potentials for improving healthcare provision.