Survival of a Patient with an Esophagopericardial Fistula After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Literature Review

J Innov Card Rhythm Manag. 2020 May 15;11(5):4091-4098. doi: 10.19102/icrm.2020.110503. eCollection 2020 May.

Abstract

Esophageal injury leading to esophagopericardial fistula (EPF) or atrioesophageal fistula is a very rare and dreaded complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation that carries a high mortality rate. We present a case of EPF following radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and an extensive review of the literature regarding catheter ablation-related esophageal injury.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; catheter ablation; pericardial–esophageal injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports