Successful Cryoballoon Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patient Post-Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

In conventional radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, there are concerns regarding the risk of esophageal thermal injury (ETI), such as esophageal ulcers and left atrioesophageal fistulas. While the incidence of ETI is generally considered low with cryoballoon ablation, some cases of esophageal ulcers and gastric hypoperistalsis have been reported. In this report, we present the case of a 77-year-old male patient with atrial fibrillation after esophageal surgery who had successfully undergone cryoballoon ablation without esophageal complications, despite the close proximity of the left atrium and gastric tube. Cryoballoon ablation achieved pulmonary vein isolation without complications in the upper alimentary tract.