Left Atrial-esophageal Fistula Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Overview

Journal J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol

Specialties Cardiology & Vascular Diseases
Physiology

Date 2004 Aug 31

PMID 15333097

Citations 59

Authors

Mauricio I Scanavacca

Andre dAvila

Jose Parga

Eduardo Sosa

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This report describes a fatal case of left atrial-esophageal fistula occurring in a 72-year-old man after a radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation was performed around the pulmonary vein using an 8-mm-tip electrode (60 W or 55 degrees C) guided by a 25-mm circular catheter. On day 22 of follow-up, the patient presented with seizures followed by hematemesis due to left atrial-esophageal fistula. His clinical condition deteriorated, and he died of speticemia. Thus, left atrial-esophageal fistula is a sever complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation of the left atrial posterior wall.

Citing Articles

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