Esophageal position, measured luminal temperatures, and risk of atrioesophageal fistula with atrial fibrillation ablation.

Approximately one-third of patients undergoing AF ablation display leftward esophageal course along the ablation zone on preprocedure CT imaging, with a significant portion exhibiting esophageal confinement. In those with confinement, higher peak ELTs are noted with ablation. Esophageal confinement may be a risk factor for development of AEF.