Esophageal contour changes during cryoablation of atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
We have observed contour changes of the barium-filled esophagus during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with cryo-energy delivered in direct proximity to the esophagus.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency, location, and severity of esophageal contour changes during cryo-energy application close to the esophagus.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed cine-fluoroscopic images acquired during hybrid cryo-radiofrequency AF ablation in 100 consecutive patients with cryo-energy delivered only in direct proximity to the esophagus.


RESULTS
Esophageal contour changes were observed in 28 (32%) of 89 patients (and 74 [6.2%] of 1,191 of all cryo applications). They were more frequent in the left common pulmonary vein (PV) (50%) and less so in the right common PV and the upper PVs (4-5%). The distance of the ablation catheter from the endoesophageal contour prior to cryo-energy applications associated with contour changes was 1.8 +/- 1.5 mm, which increased to 4.1 +/- 1.6 mm at the time of peak contour change (P < 0.001). The esophageal contour deformation was 2.3 +/- 0.9 mm. There were no apparent complications related to cryo-energy application for 3-4 minutes, even if associated with contour changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Esophageal contour changes were observed in >6% of cryo applications in direct proximity to the esophagus (32% of patients) and were most frequent in the posterior aspect of the left common and right lower PV ostium when cryo-energy was delivered at a distance of <or=5 mm from the esophageal contrast silhouette. No overt esophageal injury occurred. However, the safety of cryo-energy application in direct proximity to the esophagus remains to be further confirmed.
Herweg
Bengt
B
Division of Cardiology, Tampa General Hospital and University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33606, USA. bherweg@tampabay.rr.com
Ali
Rias
R
Khan
Nadim
N
Ilercil
Arzu
A
Barold
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome