Intraluminal Esophageal Temperature Monitoring Using the Circa S-Cath™ Temperature Probe to Guide Left Atrial...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a standard atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment.
• Esophageal thermal injury is a rare but serious complication.
• Atrio-esophageal fistula can result from thermal injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Circa S-Cath™ multi-sensor luminal esophageal temperature (LET) probe's effectiveness.
• To prevent esophageal thermal injury during AF ablation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 36 AF patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation.
• Utilized a multi-sensor LET probe with programmed temperature cutoffs (42°C electrode, 39°C LET).
• Esophagoscopy performed post-ablation to assess esophageal injury.

Main Results:

• Average maximum LET was 37.8°C.
• Only 1 patient (<3%) showed potential thermal injury.
• 4 patients (11.1%) had minor traumatic mechanical injury.

Conclusions:

• LET-guided power and duration titration is safe and effective.
• The multi-sensor probe significantly lowers the risk of esophageal thermal injury.
• Minimal esophageal lesions observed, indicating high safety during AF ablation.