Transient esophageal temperature heating observed during pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation

Heart Rhythm 2026 Open access

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Authors: German Fernandez-Ferro, Elda Cekaj, Alexander P. Benz, Bernard Prengel, Peter Seidel, Hanke Mollnau, Raphael Spittler, Thomas Rostock
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.12.035
Cited by: 2
References: 2

Abstract

Thermal injury to the esophagus remains one of the most feared complications of left atrial ablation procedures. While rare, atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) carries a high risk of mortality. Conventional radiofrequency (RF) produces significant collateral tissue heating, and luminal esophageal temperature (LET) rise can often be demonstrated during energy delivery. 1

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade

Publication details

Journal / source
Heart Rhythm
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
23
Issue
4
Pages
805–806
Publication date
5 January 2026
Language
EN