Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), during which thermal esophageal injury may rarely occur and lead to an atrio-esophageal fistula. Therefore, we studied the utility of the Circa S-Cath™ multi-sensor luminal esophageal temperature (LET) probe to prevent esophageal thermal injury.
Methods and results: Thirty-six patients, enrolled prospectively, underwent circumferential or segmental pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of AF. A maximum ablation electrode temperature of 42ºC was programmed for automatic power delivery cutoff. In addition, energy delivery was manually discontinued when the maximum LET on any sensor of the probe rose abruptly (i.e. ˃0.2ºC) or exceeded 39º C. Esophagoscopy was performed immediately after ablation in 18 patients (with the temperature probe still in place) and at approximately 24 hours after ablation in 18 patients. Esophageal lesions were classified as likely traumatic or thermally related. Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 21 had persistent and 15 had paroxysmal AF, average LVEF 57±16% and CHA2DS2VASc score 1.6±1.2 (range 0-4). Average maximum LET was 37.8±1.4ºC, power delivery 31.1±8 watts and ablation electrode temperature 36.4±4.1ºC. Average maximum contact force was 44.5±20.5 grams where measured. Only 1 patient (<3%) had an esophageal lesion that could potentially represent thermal injury and 4 patients (11.1%) had minor traumatic mechanical injury.
Conclusions: LET guided titration of power and duration of energy application, using an insulated multi-sensor esophageal temperature probe, is associated with a low risk of esophageal thermal injury during AF ablation. In only rare cases, LET monitoring resulted in the need to manipulate the esophagus to avoid unacceptable temperature rises, that could not be achieved by adjustment of power and duration of energy application.
Keywords: Ablation; Atrial fibrillation; Atrio-esophageal fistula; Esophageal temperature probe; Esophagus.