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Title: Left atrial-esophageal fistula following radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Author: Scanavacca MI, D'ávila A, Parga J, Sosa E. Journal: J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol; 2004 Aug; 15(8):960-2. PubMed ID: 15333097. Abstract: This report describes a fatal case of left atrial-esophageal fistula occurring in a 72-year-old man after a radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Catheter ablation was performed around the pulmonary vein using an 8-mm-tip electrode (60 W or 55 degrees C) guided by a 25-mm circular catheter. On day 22 of follow-up, the patient presented with seizures followed by hematemesis due to left atrial-esophageal fistula. His clinical condition deteriorated, and he died of speticemia. Thus, left atrial-esophageal fistula is a sever complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation of the left atrial posterior wall.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]