Esophageal hematoma complicating catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Significant injury to the esophagus during ablation for atrial fibrillation is rare but may be devastating. Esophageal fistulas and injury to branches of the vagus nerve resulting in gastric stasis have previously been described. In this case report, we describe another type of esophageal injury associated with catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The patient experienced chest pain and vomiting on recovery from anesthesia. Echocardiography and computerized tomography were used to identify a large esophageal hematoma. The hematoma was treated conservatively and the patient recovered fully after several weeks.