[Esophageal approach in rythmology. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications]

The oesophageal route is a simple technique, which is easy to perform. It allows precise assessment of supraventricular arrhythmias without using the endocavitary route. There is a perfect correlation between the two methods for the study of sinus function and the Wenckebach point. This technique makes a considerable contribution to the diagnosis of junctional tachycardia and the evaluation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It can reduce approximately 65% of flutters and 50% of atrial tachyarrythmias. It can also be used to monitor antiarrhythmic treatment or in the assessment of radiofrequency resection, especially in nodal tachycardias and left atrioventricular accessory pathways. Its limitations concern the sometimes painful nature of the investigation and the impossibility of recording the electrical activity of the His bundle.