Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEsophageal damage during radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: impact of energy settings, lesion sets, and esophageal visualization.
Atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but often lethal complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The purpose of our study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of esophageal ulcerations (ESUL) as well as the impact of energy settings, radiofrequency lesion sets, and direct visualization of the esophagus on esophageal wall injury. ⋯ ESUL is a rare finding when using a reasonable energy maximum of 25 W with open-irrigated tip catheters at the posterior wall. Lower energy settings may increase safety without losing efficacy. Additional linear radiofrequency lesions increase the risk of ESUL development.