The real world: cost considerations according to geographic location

Abstract

Catheter ablation procedures in children and patients with congenital heart disease have always been difficult in many ways, due to abnormal or altered anatomy, variations in the cardiac conduction system, and difficulty in reaching desired positions secondary to venous occlusion. In an ideal world, one would have availability of all modern mapping methods with image embedded systems, new ablation catheters, intracardiac echocardiography, and hybrid intervention capability. These modern technologies have been met with increased success and very low radiation exposure for both patients and physicians. These kinds of equipment may be very costly and are not affordable in some countries with limited resources. The goal of this chapter is to present how clinicians have found ways to provide services for children in need of them.