Esophageal deviation with vacuum suction and mechanical deflection during ablation of atrial fibrillation: First in man evaluation

This study reports upon a novel esophageal retractor that utilizes vacuum suction and mechanical deflection to deviate the esophagus. The device was used in seven patients undergoing cryoballoon AF ablation. The esophagus was deviated 31.9  ± 4.4 mm to the right and 28.2 ± 5.9 mm to the left. Endoscopy at 4.4 ± 1.5 days postablation showed no esophageal injury. This study demonstrates the safe and effective deviation of the esophagus without a trailing edge with an esophageal retractor utilizing vacuum suction and m echanical deflection.
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: BRIEF COMMUNICATION Source Type: research