Background: Atrio‐esophageal fistulas have been described as a consequence of
radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether …

Introduction: A left atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but devastating complication that
may occur during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, and may be due to thermal injury occurring …

OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with left atrial arrhythmias may
cause esophageal damage because of the close proximity between the posterior wall of the …

Introduction: Left atrial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is gaining acceptance as
treatment for drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). This therapy has been associated with …

Pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency ablation is an effective therapy in patients
with atrial fibrillation. However, the esophagus descends in close proximity to the posterior …

Background Atrio-esophageal fistula formation following radiofrequency ablation of left atrial
tachyarrhythmias is a rare but devastating complication. Esophageal injuries are believed to …

BACKGROUND: Cryoenergy is being increasingly used for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation,
but the thermal effect of cryoenergy on the esophagus remains undefined. OBJECTIVE: This …

BACKGROUND: The delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy to the posterior left atrium
creates a risk of injury to the adjacent esophagus. Esophageal endoscopy (EGD) is used to …

Background Esophageal injury is a rare, but catastrophic complication of radiofrequency
(RF) pulmonary vein isolation. It is not known if cryoablation is less likely to injure …

Introduction Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) may lead to collateral damage to the
esophagus. We tested the hypothesis that luminal esophageal temperature (LET)-guided …