DOI: 10.1111/jce.70473 ISSN: 1045-3873
Early‐Stage Esophago‐Mediastinal Fistula After Atrial Fibrillation Radiofrequency Ablation Successfully Treated With Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy
Rodrigo Melo Kulchetscki, Bruno da Costa Martins, Alberto Pereira Ferraz, Luan Vieira Rodrigues, Gabrieli Melissa Oissa, Muhieddine Omar Chokr, Carina Abgail Hardy, Esteban Wisnivesky Rocca Rivarola, Cristiano Faria Pisani, Maurício ScanavaccaABSTRACT
Background
Esophageal injury is a rare but potentially fatal complication of atrial fibrillation ablation, predominantly associated with thermal energy sources.
Case Summary
A 37‐year‐old man developed an esophago‐mediastinal fistula after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. An esophageal ulcer detected on routine post‐ablation endoscopy progressed despite conservative management. Endoscopic vacuum therapy was instituted for 5 days, followed by endoscopic clip closure, resulting in complete healing without surgical intervention.
Conclusion
This case underscores the value of post‐ablation esophageal surveillance and demonstrates endoscopic vacuum therapy as an effective, minimally invasive option for managing esophageal perforation after radiofrequency ablation.