Evaluation of a novel esophageal retractor utilizing vacuum suction and mechanical force for deviating the esophagus.

Background: Deviation of the esophagus prevents esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Objectives: This study is to evaluate, in animals, safety and effectiveness of a novel esophageal retractor that utilizes vacuum suction and mechanical force to deviate the esophagus.

Methods: Following general anesthesia, a radiopaque ruler was placed behind the animal perpendicular to the esophagus. The esophageal retractor was inserted and esophagram was completed. Suction force (280-300 mm Hg) was applied to the distal aspect of the device that resulted in adherence of the esophagus in a circumferential manner. Then movement of a deflecting arm was used to deviate the esophagus. Four animal studies completed: (a) deviation distance and presence of trailing edge; (b) effect of 1 hour continuous suction and deviation upon esophageal cellular architecture; (c) impact on luminal esophageal temperature (LET) during high power ablation; and (d) compatibility of esophageal retractor with electroanatomic mapping system.

Results: The distance of deviation to the right (26.6 ± 2.5 mm) was higher than to the left (18.7 ± 2.3 mm; P < .01). There was no esophageal trailing edge in 65/68 deviations (96%). With continuous suction for 1 hour, pathology revealed small, <1mm, circular area of hyperemia in the esophageal mucosa. During high power ablation, the maximum increase in LET was 0.2°C. Finally, there was no interference between the device and electro-anatomical mapping system.

Conclusion: In animal models, the esophageal retractor utilizing vacuum suction was successful at deviating the esophagus without significant trailing edge and with minor (1 mm) injury with prolonged continuous suction.