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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Cooling or Warming the Esophagus to Reduce Esophageal Injury During Left Atrial Ablation in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: March 15, 2020
[Esophago-gastric complications after ablation in atrial fibrillation]
Pierrette Gast1, Jean-Philippe Loly1, Philippe Leclercq1
1Service de gastroentérologie, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgique.
Abstract:
Atrial-esophageal fistula (AOF) after ablation in atrial fibrillation has a fatal outcome. Fully documented in 2004, AOF has never completely disappeared despite technological evolvements. Survival depends on early recognition and treatment. Gastroscopy allows early detection of esophageal lesions. We summarize here AOF mechanisms, evoking symptoms and treatment ; contribution of gastroscopy in early detection ; and finally symptoms from vagal and phrenic nerve injuries. This information is useful for emergency doctors, gastroenterologists / endoscopists, and general practitioners.
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