Esophago-Pericardial Fistula Following Ablation of the Atrial Fibrillation Focus
Zayaruzny, Maksim ; Badr, Rana
Citations
Authors
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
UMass Chan Affiliations
Document Type
Publication Date
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Link to Full Text
Abstract
In the past 20 years catheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (RAAF) has become a mainstay in the treatment of refractory atrial fibrillation. While generally safe, serious complications following RAAF have been reported. Recent retrospective review of 45,000 cases of catheter ablation reported post-procedure mortality of 0.1 percent. Complication rates of 2%-4% have been previously reported. Percutaneous catheter ablation of electrical triggers near the pulmonary vein ostia is associated with 28% incidence of esophageal erythema and 18% incidence of esophageal ulceration. Patients with atrio-esophageal fistulas and esophageal perforations due to thermal injury can present with non-specific signs and symptoms between 1 and 3 weeks after the procedure and present unusual challenges to the anesthesia provider. Atrio-esophageal fistulas and esophageal perforation have been reported to be lethal complications following RAAF. We present a case of successful treatment of late-presenting esophageal perforation after RAAF.
Source
Year of Medical School at Time of Visit
Sponsors
Dates of Travel
DOI
Permanent Link to this Item
PubMed ID
Other Identifiers
Notes
Presented at the New England Anesthesia Resident Conference (NEARC), Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, April 3, 2010.