title: Atrioesophageal Fistula: A Review.
abstract: Catheter ablation of atrial ablation (AF) has become an important therapy in recent years. As with all evolving techniques, unexpected complication may occur. Atrioesophageal fistula is a very rare complication of AF catheter ablation. Described for the first time in two very experienced centers in 2004, this complication is the most dreadful and lethal among all the others related to AF catheter ablation. Its clinical presentation is extremely variable. Rapid diagnosis and surgical therapy may prevent death. This review article will summarize the risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and possible preventive strategies for this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Krishna Kumar Mohanan
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Asaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Danon
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Ajitkumar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valaparambil
authors.affiliation: Helmsley Cardiac Arrhythmia Service - Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jacob S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Koruth
authors.affiliation: Schulich Heart Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada.
authors.forename: Sheldon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Singh
keywords: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Complications