Esophageal Damage During Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Energy Settings, Lesion Sets, and Esophageal Visualization

Abstract

ESUL is a rare finding when using a reasonable energy maximum of 25 W with open-irrigated tip catheters at the posterior wall. Lower energy settings may increase safety without losing efficacy. Additional linear radiofrequency lesions increase the risk of ESUL development.