Key result
Rotational ICE during atrial fibrillation ablation identified the esophagus near the pulmonary veins in 35 of 41 patients, allowing avoidance of ablation over the esophagus in 21 patients.
Why the study?
Does real-time rotational ICE imaging during AF ablation help determine the distance to the esophagus and minimize ablation close to it in patients with refractory AF?
Observational (n=41)
Does real-time rotational ICE imaging during AF ablation help determine the distance to the esophagus and minimize ablation close to it in patients with refractory AF?
Real-time rotational ICE during AF ablation can accurately visualize the esophagus and guide ablation to potentially reduce the risk of esophageal injury.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hypothesis-generating for rotational ICE-guided esophageal avoidance in AF ablation; prospective randomized trials needed before clinical adoption.
Helms et al. (2008) conducted an observational in refractory atrial fibrillation (n=41). Rotational intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was evaluated on Location of the esophagus and distance from left atrial endocardium. Rotational ICE during atrial fibrillation ablation identified the esophagus near the pulmonary veins in 35 of 41 patients, allowing avoidance of ablation over the esophagus in 21 patients.
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