Neurological Consequences of Atrioesophageal Fistula After Radiofrequency Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (RAF) is an increasingly performed procedure, applied especially in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who are classified as refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation is performed either during cardiac surgery as an additional procedure or as a percutaneous catheter intervention. It is associated with various complications such as pericardial effusion, pericardial tamponade, pulmonary vein stenosis or thrombosis, and left atrial wall hematoma.¹