Complication of AF Ablation – Cardiology MCQ

The most dreaded complication of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures:
a) Esophageal pericardial fistula
b) Atrio-esophageal fistula
c) Cerebral embolism
d) Pericardial tamponade
Correct answer: b) Atrio-esophageal fistula
Atrio-esophageal fistula has a high mortality rate nearing 80 percent. Fortunately it is a very rare complication of AF ablation.
Reference

1. Barbhaiya CR, Kumar S, Guo Y, et al. Global Survey of Esophageal Injury in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Characteristics and Outcomes of Esophageal Perforation and Fistula. JACCCEP. 2016;2(2):143-150.