Esophago-pericardial fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A review.

Introduction: Much have been reported about esophago-left atrium fistula. However, esophago-mediastinal fistula, not reaching the left atrium, has not been studied as a different clinical entity, with different management.

Methods And Results: We review and discuss the literature of esophago-mediastinum fistula after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with emphasis on the following points: the timing of its occurrence after ablation; the mechanisms and localization of the fistula; and its natural history.