Does endoscopic negative pressure therapy improve healing of deep esophageal ulcers following atrial fibrillation ablation?
Endoscopic negative pressure therapy may be an effective novel treatment for healing thermal esophageal lesions following atrial fibrillation ablation.
This study presents a novel technique for the treatment of a deep esophageal ulcer after ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed using a radiofrequency irrigated tip catheter. On Day 5 of follow-up, a deep esophageal ulcer was observed. No significant visual improvement was observed after conventional treatment. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy in the esophagus was then applied for 5 days. A significant decrease in diameter and depth of the lesion was observed, possibly preventing perforation. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy can be used to heal thermal lesions after AF ablation procedures.
Rivarola et al. (Sat,) studied this question.