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Omotoye S, Singleton MJ, Zagrodzky J, Clark B, Sharma D, Metzl MD, Gallagher MM, Meininghaus DG, Leung L, Garg J, Warrier N, Panico A, Tamirisa K, Sanchez J, Mickelsen S, Sardana M, Shah D, Athill C, Hayat J, Silva R, Clark AT, Gray M, Levi B, Kulstad E, Girouard S, Zagrodzky W, Montoya MM, Bustamante TG, Berjano E, González-Suárez A, Daniels J. Mechanisms of action behind the protective effects of proactive esophageal cooling during radiofrequency catheter ablation in the left atrium. Heart Rhythm O2 2024; 5:403-416. [PMID: 38984358 PMCID: PMC11228283 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Proactive esophageal cooling for the purpose of reducing the likelihood of ablation-related esophageal injury resulting from radiofrequency (RF) cardiac ablation procedures is increasingly being used and has been Food and Drug Administration cleared as a protective strategy during left atrial RF ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In this review, we examine the evidence supporting the use of proactive esophageal cooling and the potential mechanisms of action that reduce the likelihood of atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) formation. Although the pathophysiology behind AEF formation after thermal injury from RF ablation is not well studied, a robust literature on fistula formation in other conditions (eg, Crohn disease, cancer, and trauma) exists and the relationship to AEF formation is investigated in this review. Likewise, we examine the abundant data in the surgical literature on burn and thermal injury progression as well as the acute and chronic mitigating effects of cooling. We discuss the relationship of these data and maladaptive healing mechanisms to the well-recognized postablation pathophysiological effects after RF ablation. Finally, we review additional important considerations such as patient selection, clinical workflow, and implementation strategies for proactive esophageal cooling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Zagrodzky
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas
| | | | | | - Mark D. Metzl
- NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Mark M. Gallagher
- St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lisa Leung
- St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jalaj Garg
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
| | - Nikhil Warrier
- MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Fountain Valley, California
| | | | - Kamala Tamirisa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Javier Sanchez
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | - Dipak Shah
- Ascension Providence Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Jamal Hayat
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rogelio Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Advocate Aurora Christ Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Audra T. Clark
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Benjamin Levi
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Erik Kulstad
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | - Enrique Berjano
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana González-Suárez
- Translational Medical Device Lab, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
| | - James Daniels
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Shehadeh M, Wan EY, Biviano A, Mollazadeh R, Garan H, Yarmohammadi H. Esophageal injury, perforation, and fistula formation following atrial fibrillation ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:409-424. [PMID: 38038816 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01708-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal perforation and fistula formation are rare but serious complications following atrial fibrillation ablation. In this review article, we outline the incidence, pathophysiology, predictors, and preventative strategies of this dreaded complication. METHODS We conducted an electronic search in 10 databases/electronic search engines to access relevant publications. All articles reporting complications following atrial fibrillation ablation, including esophageal injury and fistula formation, were included for systematic review. RESULTS A total of 130 manuscripts were identified for the final review process. The overall incidence of esophageal injury following atrial fibrillation ablation was significantly higher with thermal ablation modalities (radiofrequency 5-40%, cryoballoon 3-25%, high-intensity focused ultrasound < 10%) as opposed to non-thermal ablation modalities (no cases reported to date). The incidence of esophageal perforation and fistula formation with the use of thermal ablation modalities is estimated to occur in less than 0.25% of all atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. The use of luminal esophageal temperature monitoring probe and mechanical esophageal deviation showed protective effect toward reducing the incidence of this complication. The prognosis is very poor for patients who develop atrioesophageal fistula, and the condition is rapidly fatal without surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Esophageal perforation and fistula formation following atrial fibrillation ablation are rare complications with poor prognosis. Various strategies have been proposed to protect the esophagus and reduce the incidence of this fearful complication. Pulsed field ablation is a promising new ablation technology that may be the future answer toward reducing the incidence of esophageal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Shehadeh
- Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Heart Institute, Columbia University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angelo Biviano
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reza Mollazadeh
- Department of Cardiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Garan
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hirad Yarmohammadi
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Weiss R, Osorio J, Nair D, Aguinaga L, Arabia L, Alcivar D, Al-Ahmad A, Tomassoni G, Kahaly O, Mehta R, Ward C, Holmes B, Patel D, Killu AM, Munger T, Essandoh M, Houmsse M, Rajendra A, Morales G, Hummel JD, Balasubramanian G, Daoud EG. EsophAguS Deviation During RadiofrequencY Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: The EASY AF Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:68-78. [PMID: 37897465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury to the esophagus has been reported in a high percentage of patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVES This study assessed the incidence of esophageal injury in patients undergoing ablation of AF with and without an esophageal deviating device. METHODS This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, controlled Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption trial compared the incidence of ablation-related esophageal lesions, as assessed by endoscopy, in patients undergoing AF ablation assigned to a control group (luminal esophageal temperature [LET] monitoring alone) compared with patients randomized to a deviation group (esophagus deviation device + LET). This novel deviating device uses vacuum suction and mechanical deflection to deviate a segment of the esophagus, including the trailing edge. RESULTS The data safety and monitoring board recommended stopping the study early after randomizing 120 patients due to deviating device efficacy. The primary study endpoint, ablation injury to the esophageal mucosa, was significantly less in the deviation group (5.7%) in comparison to the control group (35.4%; P < 0.0001). Control patients had a significantly higher severity and greater number of ablation lesions per patient. There was no adverse event assigned to the device. By multivariable analysis, the only feature associated with reduced esophageal lesions was randomization to deviating device (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04-0.46; P = 0.001). Among control subjects, there was no difference in esophageal lesions with high power/short duration (31.8%) vs other radiofrequency techniques (37.2%; P = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS The use of an esophageal deviating device resulted in a significant reduction in ablation-related esophageal lesions without any adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Weiss
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jose Osorio
- Alabama Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Devi Nair
- Arrhythmia Research Group, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Luis Aguinaga
- Centro Integral de Arritmias Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Luis Arabia
- Centro Integral de Arritmias Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Diego Alcivar
- Hattiesburg Clinic-Heart & Vascular, Hattiesburg, Missouri, USA
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Foundation, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Omar Kahaly
- ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Rohit Mehta
- Atrium Health, Sanger Heart & Vascular Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chad Ward
- Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Dilesh Patel
- TriHealth Heart Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Essandoh
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mahmoud Houmsse
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anil Rajendra
- Alabama Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - John D Hummel
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Emile G Daoud
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Hamed M, Elseidy SA, Abdelazeem M, Morcos R, Abdallah A, Sammour Y, Barakat AF, Khalife W, Ramu V, Mamas MA, Elbadawi A. Role of oesophageal cooling in the prevention of oesophageal injury in atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Europace 2023; 25:euad080. [PMID: 37021812 PMCID: PMC10227763 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of oesophageal cooling in the prevention of oesophageal injury in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS Comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through April 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of oesophageal cooling compared with control in the prevention of oesophageal injury during AF catheter ablation. The study primary outcome was the incidence of any oesophageal injury. The meta-analysis included 4 RCTs with a total of 294 patients. There was no difference in the incidence of any oesophageal injury between oesophageal cooling and control [15% vs. 19%; relative risk (RR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-2.41]. Compared with control, oesophageal cooling showed lower risk of severe oesophageal injury (1.5% vs. 9%; RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.05-0.80). There were no significant differences among the two groups in mild to moderate oesophageal injury (13.6% vs. 12.1%; RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.28-4.23), procedure duration [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.03; 95% CI -0.36-0.30], posterior wall radiofrequency (RF) time (SMD 0.27; 95% CI -0.04-0.58), total RF time (SMD -0.50; 95% CI -1.15-0.16), acute reconnection incidence (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.02-36.34), and ablation index (SMD 0.16; 95% CI -0.33-0.66). CONCLUSION Among patients undergoing AF catheter ablation, oesophageal cooling did not reduce the overall risk of any oesophageal injury compared with control. Oesophageal cooling might shift the severity of oesophageal injuries to less severe injuries. Further studies should evaluate the long-term effects after oesophageal cooling during AF catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road BC-71, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Sheref A Elseidy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621, USA
| | - Mohamed Abdelazeem
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, 736 Cambridge St, Brighton, MA 02135, USA
| | - Ramez Morcos
- Division of Cardiology, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road BC-71, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdallah
- Division of Cardiology, East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Dr, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Yasser Sammour
- Division of Cardiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amr F Barakat
- UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wissam Khalife
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 1302 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Vijay Ramu
- Division of Cardiology, East Tennessee State University, 1276 Gilbreath Dr, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Keele University, Keele, Newcastle ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Ayman Elbadawi
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Tschabrunn CM, Santangeli P. Esophageal cooling during radiofrequency ablation: Can opposite (strategies) attract? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2022; 33:2558-2559. [PMID: 36284448 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Tschabrunn
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pasquale Santangeli
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Zagrodzky J, Bailey S, Shah S, Kulstad E. Impact of Active Esophageal Cooling on Fluoroscopy Usage During Left Atrial Ablation. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2021; 12:4749-4755. [PMID: 34676132 PMCID: PMC8519316 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2021.121101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Risks to collateral structures exist with radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the left atrium to obtain pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Passive luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring is commonly utilized, but increasing data suggest limited benefits with LET monitoring. In contrast, active cooling of the esophagus has been shown to significantly reduce esophageal injury. Active cooling of the esophagus also avoids the need for stopping and repositioning an LET probe during use, which may reduce the need for fluoroscopy use. This study aimed to measure the impact on fluoroscopy use during RF ablation with esophageal cooling using a dedicated cooling device in a low-fluoroscopy practice. All patients who underwent PVI over a one-year timeframe by a single provider were analyzed. Patients undergoing PVI prior to the incorporation of an esophageal cooling protocol into standard ablation practice were treated with traditional LET monitoring. Patients treated after this point received active esophageal cooling, in which no LET monitoring is utilized. A total of 280 patients were treated; 91 patients were treated using LET monitoring, and 189 patients were treated with esophageal cooling. The mean total fluoroscopy time before the implementation of the esophageal cooling protocol in 91 patients was 194 seconds [standard deviation (SD): 182 seconds] per case, with a median of 144 seconds. The mean total fluoroscopy time after implementation in 189 patients was 126 seconds (SD: 120 seconds) per case with a median of 96 seconds, representing a reduction of 35% per case (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). In this largest study to date of active esophageal cooling during PVI, a 35% reduction in fluoroscopy time compared with patients who received LET monitoring was found. This reduction was seen despite an already low fluoroscopy usage rate in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Zagrodzky
- Department of Electrophysiology, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Shane Bailey
- Department of Electrophysiology, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Erik Kulstad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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7
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Clark B, Kulstad E. Additional data on protection of the esophagus during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:1791-1792. [PMID: 33928699 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brad Clark
- Department of Electrophysiology, St. Vincent Medical Group, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erik Kulstad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Tschabrunn CM, Attalla S, Salas J, Frankel DS, Hyman MC, Simon E, Sharkoski T, Callans DJ, Supple GE, Nazarian S, Lin D, Schaller RD, Dixit S, Marchlinski FE, Santangeli P. Active esophageal cooling for the prevention of thermal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2021; 63:197-205. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-021-00960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Schoene K, Arya A, Grashoff F, Knopp H, Weber A, Lerche M, König S, Hilbert S, Kircher S, Bertagnolli L, Dinov B, Hindricks G, Halm U, Zachäus M, Sommer P. Oesophageal Probe Evaluation in Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (OPERA): results from a prospective randomized trial. Europace 2020; 22:1487-1494. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of oesophageal lesions after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) with or without the use of oesophageal temperature probes.
Methods and results
Two hundred patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: the OPERA+ group underwent RFA using oesophageal probes (SensiTherm™); the OPERA− group received RFA using fixed energy levels of 25 W at the posterior wall without an oesophageal probe. All patients underwent post-interventional endoscopy and Holter-electrocardiogram after 6 months. (Clinical.Trials.gov: NCT03246594). One hundred patients were randomized in OPERA+ and 100 patients in OPERA−. The drop-out rate was 10%. In total, 18/180 (10%) patients developed endoscopically diagnosed oesophageal lesions (EDEL). There was no difference between the groups with 10/90 (11%) EDEL in OPERA+ vs. 8/90 (9%) in OPERA− (P = 0.62). Despite the higher power delivered at the posterior wall in OPERA+ [28 ± 4 vs. 25 ± 2 W (P = 0.001)], the average EDEL size was equal [5.7 ± 2.6 vs. 4.5 ± 1.7 mm (P = 0.38)]. The peak temperature did not correlate with EDEL size. During follow-up, no patient died. Only one patient in OPERA− required a specific therapy for treatment of the lesion. Cumulative AF recurrence after 6 (3–13) months was 28/87 (32%) vs. 34/88 (39%), P = 0.541.
Conclusion
This first randomized study demonstrates that intraoesophageal temperature monitoring using the SensiTherm™ probe does not affect the probability of developing EDEL. The peak temperature measured by the thermoprobe seems not to correlate with the incidence of EDEL. Empiric energy reduction at the posterior wall did not affect the efficacy of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schoene
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Leipzig Heart Institute GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arash Arya
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Matthias Lerche
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian König
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hilbert
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Kircher
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Livio Bertagnolli
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Borislav Dinov
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Leipzig Heart Institute GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Philipp Sommer
- Herz- und Diabetes Zentrum NRW, Ruhr University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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10
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Jiang R, Zei PC, Jiang C. Prevention of left atrium esophagus fistula: Appraisal of existing technologies and strategies. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2020; 43:646-654. [PMID: 32391576 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Catheter ablation has emerged as an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare, but feared complication. With increasing utilization of ablation therapy for AF, the understanding of the relationship between AEF and ablation has been improved in recent years. Efforts to reduce the risk of AEF have focused on decreasing the risk of severe esophageal injury (EI) and the presumed subsequent progression from EI to AEF, including esophageal temperature monitoring, esophageal cooling systems, esophageal deviation devices, and decreasing and/or curtailing ablation energy delivery. Periprocedural assessment may help identify higher risk patients and detect early esophageal lesions. This review systematically summarizes and evaluates the current strategies and techniques utilized to reduce the risk of AEF in the clinical workflow for AF ablation. We expect that this review will help clinicians to better understand the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods, and to find suitable strategies using current available tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Comprehensive Unit of National Regional Medical Center, Zhejiang, China
| | - Paul C Zei
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chenyang Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Comprehensive Unit of National Regional Medical Center, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Leung LWM, Gallagher MM, Santangeli P, Tschabrunn C, Guerra JM, Campos B, Hayat J, Atem F, Mickelsen S, Kulstad E. Esophageal cooling for protection during left atrial ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2019; 59:347-355. [PMID: 31758504 PMCID: PMC7591442 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00661-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Thermal damage to the esophagus is a risk from radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The most extreme type of thermal injury results in atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF) and a correspondingly high mortality rate. Various strategies for reducing esophageal injury have been developed, including power reduction, esophageal deviation, and esophageal cooling. One method of esophageal cooling involves the direct instillation of cold water or saline into the esophagus during RF ablation. Although this method provides limited heat-extraction capacity, studies of it have suggested potential benefit. We sought to perform a meta-analysis of published studies evaluating the use of esophageal cooling via direct liquid instillation for the reduction of thermal injury during RF ablation. Methods We searched PubMed for studies that used esophageal cooling to protect the esophagus from thermal injury during RF ablation. We then performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model to calculate estimated effect size with 95% confidence intervals, with an outcome of esophageal lesions stratified by severity, as determined by post-procedure endoscopy. Results A total of 9 studies were identified and reviewed. After excluding preclinical and mathematical model studies, 3 were included in the meta-analysis, totaling 494 patients. Esophageal cooling showed a tendency to shift lesion severity downward, such that total lesions did not show a statistically significant change (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.38). For high-grade lesions, a significant OR of 0.39 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.89) in favor of esophageal cooling was found, suggesting that esophageal cooling, even with a low-capacity thermal extraction technique, reduces the severity of lesions resulting from RF ablation. Conclusions Esophageal cooling reduces the severity of the lesions that may result from RF ablation, even when relatively low heat extraction methods are used, such as the direct instillation of small volumes of cold liquid. Further investigation of this approach is warranted, particularly with higher heat extraction capacity techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa WM Leung
- Department of Cardiology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Mark M Gallagher
- Department of Cardiology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Pasquale Santangeli
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, PA 19104 Philadelphia, United States
| | - Cory Tschabrunn
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, PA 19104 Philadelphia, United States
| | - Jose M Guerra
- Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERCV, Carrer de Sant Quintí, 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bieito Campos
- Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERCV, Carrer de Sant Quintí, 89, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jamal Hayat
- Department of Gastroenterology, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Folefac Atem
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, 75390 Dallas, TX United States
| | - Steven Mickelsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, 52242 Iowa City, United States
| | - Erik Kulstad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, 75390 Dallas, TX United States
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