Proactive esophageal cooling during laser cardiac ablation: A computer modeling study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laser ablation is increasingly used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, atrioesophageal injury remains a potentially serious complication. While proactive esophageal cooling (PEC) reduces esophageal injury during radiofrequency ablation, the effects of PEC during laser ablation have not previously been determined. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of PEC during laser ablation of AF by means of a theoretical study based on computer modeling. METHODS: Three-dimensional mathematical models were built for 20 different cases including a fragment of atrial wall (myocardium), epicardial fat (adipose tissue), connective tissue, and esophageal wall. The esophagus was considered with and without PEC. Laser-tissue interaction was modeled using Beer-Lambert's law, Pennes' Bioheat equation was used to compute the resultant heating, and the Arrhenius equation was used to estimate the fraction of tissue damage (FOD), assuming a threshold of 63% to assess induced necrosis. We modeled laser irradiation power of 8.5 W over 20 s. Thermal simulations extended up to 250 s to account for thermal latency. RESULTS: PEC significantly altered the temperature distribution around the cooling device, resulting in lower temperatures (around 22°C less in the esophagus and 9°C in the atrial wall) compared to the case without PEC. This thermal reduction translated into the absence of transmural lesions in the esophagus. The esophagus was thermally damaged only in the cases without PEC and with a distance equal to or shorter than 3.5 mm between the esophagus and endocardium (inner boundary of the atrial wall). Furthermore, PEC demonstrated minimal impact on the lesion created across the atrial wall, either in terms of maximum temperature or FOD. CONCLUSIONS: PEC reduces the potential for esophageal injury without degrading the intended cardiac lesions for a variety of different tissue thicknesses. Thermal latency may influence lesion formation during laser ablation and may play a part in any collateral damage.

Machine learning identifies esophageal luminal temperature patterns associated with thermal injury in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is widely used to reduce the incidence of endoscopically detected esophageal lesion (EDEL). We sought to assess whether specific patterns of LET variation are associated with EDEL. METHODS: A high-fidelity multisensor probe was used to record LET in AF patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoballoon ablation (CBA). Explainable machine learning and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis were used to predict EDEL and assess feature importance. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients (38.3% persistent AF, 71.3% male, 72 RFA, and 22 CBA) were included. EDEL was detected in 11 patients (10 RFA and one CBA). In the RFA group, the highest LET recorded was similar between patients with and without EDEL (40.6 [40.1-41]°C vs. 40.2 [39.1-40.9]°C; p = .313), however, the rate of LET rise for the highest recorded peak was higher (0.08 [0.03-0.12]°C/s vs. 0.02 [0.01-0.05]°C/s; p = .033), and the area under the curve (AUC) for the highest peak was smaller (412.5 [206.8-634.1] vs. 588.6 [380.4-861.1]; p = .047) in patients who had EDEL. In case of CBA, the patient with EDEL had a faster LET decline (0.12 vs. 0.07 [0.02-0.14]°C/s), and a smaller AUC for the lowest trough (2491.3 vs. 2629.3 [1712.6-5283.2]). SHAP analysis revealed that a rate of LET change higher than 0.05°C/s and an AUC less than 600 were more predictive of EDEL in RFA. CONCLUSION: The rate of LET change and AUC for the recorded temperature predicted EDEL, whereas absolute peak temperatures did not.

Esophageal rupture through extreme sadomasochistic practice.

We report the case of a woman in her thirties who suffered an esophageal rupture while participating in extreme sadomasochistic practices. After herself seeking help in a hospital for complaints alleged to be from a fall, she was initially diagnosed with several broken ribs and a pneumothorax. The cause of the pneumothorax was later discovered to be an esophageal rupture. When confronted with this atypical injury for a fall, the woman admitted to have accidentally swallowed an inflatable gag, which her partner had afterwards inflated. In addition to the esophageal rupture, the patient also had numerous other externally visible injuries of various ages, reportedly also from sadomasochistic acts. Although an in-depth police investigation was conducted and a "slave contract" was found, the woman's consent to the extreme sexual practices performed by her life partner could not be substantiated conclusively. The man was convicted for intentional infliction of serious as well as dangerous bodily injury and sentenced to a long term in prison.

Anatomic Considerations of esophageal button battery ingestion for outcomes and imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Button batteries (BB) are a source of significant morbidity and mortality in young children. Little data is available regarding associations between esophageal impaction location and outcomes or need for surveillance imaging. METHODS: All patients treated at a single institution following BB ingestion between 2018 and 2022 were included for retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Twenty patients were treated at our institution BBs were located, or most significant damage observed, in the cervical esophagus (n = 10, 50 %), followed by thoracic esophagus (n = 6, 30 %), and abdominal esophagus (n = 4, 20 %). Patients with cervical esophageal impaction were younger (482 [370-866] days), than those with thoracic (1395 [871-2369] days) or abdominal esophageal impaction (2021.5 [1230.5-3419.5] days) (p = 0.003). Zargar Mucosal Injury Grade was significantly more severe in patients with cervical button battery impaction; 8/10 (80 %) had a ≥Grade IIIB injury, compared to 2/6 (33.3 %) thoracic impactions and 0/4 (0 %) abdominal impactions (p = 0.002). All patients who developed persistent esophageal stenosis (n = 6) had cervical battery impactions (6, 60 %, p = 0.015). Both TEFs (2/2) had anterior facing anode, while both (2/2) esophageal perforations had posterior. Only 1/20 (5 %) patients, and 1/7 (14.3 %) with serious complications, had a serious complication detected on routine, rather than clinically indicated follow-up surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, cervical BB impaction occurred more frequently in younger children, was associated with more severe mucosal injury, and had higher risk of stenosis. Nearly all complications were detected on clinically indicated rather than postoperative surveillance imaging.

Primary esophageal follicular lymphoma: a rare entity / Linfoma folicular esofágico primario: una entidad rara

A 63-year-old woman presented with dyspepsia de novo. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 30 mm flat yellowish esophageal lesion, 28 cm from the incisors (Fig. 1a), with the stomach and duodenum without any lesion. Helicobacter pylori infection was excluded. Histological examination was suggestive of a lymphoproliferative process (Fig. 1b). Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse positivity for CD20 (Fig. 1c) and BCL-2 (Fig. 1d), dim CD10 and BCL-6 staining, a Ki-67 of 20-25%, no CD21 or cyclin D1 expression, all these features compatible with low-grade follicular lymphoma. Physical examination was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the neck, chest, and abdomen revealed no lymph node enlargement, hepatosplenomegaly or metastasis. Blood routine tests and tumor markers were at normal levels. Bone marrow biopsy showed no involvement by lymphoma. Therefore, a diagnosis of primary follicular lymphoma of the esophagus was made. The patient opted for a watch-and-wait strategy and there is no evidence of disease progression after four years of follow-up.(AU)

Severe post-pyloric injury after button battery ingestion: Systematic literature review and case report.

BACKGROUND: The health and safety hazards related to button batteries (BB) have been extensively studied, highlighting that the presence of a button battery in the esophagus is a life-threatening emergency. However, complications related to bowel BB are poorly evaluated and not well known. The objective of this review of the literature was to describe severe cases of BB that have passed the pylorus. CASE REPORT: This case, from the PilBouTox cohort, is the first report of small-bowel occlusion following ingestion of an LR44 BB (diameter: 11.4 mm) by a 7-month-old infant with a history of intestinal resections. In this case, the BB was ingested without a witness. The initial presentation mimicked acute gastroenteritis evolving into hypovolemic shock. An X-ray revealed a foreign body stuck in the small bowel causing an intestinal occlusion and local necrosis without perforation. The patient's history of intestinal stenosis and intestinal surgery were the contributing factor of impaction. SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: The review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The research was conducted on September 12, 2022 through five database and the U.S. Poison Control Center website. An additional 12 severe cases of intestinal or colonic injury after ingestion of a single BB were identified. Of these, 11 were related to small BBs (< 15 mm) that impacted Meckel's diverticulum and one was related to postoperative stenosis. CONCLUSION: In view of the findings, the indications for digestive endoscopy for extraction of a BB in the stomach should include a history of intestinal stenosis or intestinal surgery so as to avoid delayed intestinal perforation or occlusion and prolonged hospitalization.

Operative Management of Aerodigestive Injuries: Improved Survival Over two Decades.

INTRODUCTION: Non-iatrogenic aerodigestive injuries are infrequent but potentially fatal. We hypothesize that advances in management and adoption of innovative therapies resulted in improved survival. METHODS: Trauma registry review at a university Level 1 center from 2000 to 2020 that identified adults with aerodigestive injuries requiring operative or endoluminal intervention. Demographics, injuries, operations, and outcomes were abstracted. Univariate analysis was performed, P < .05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: 95 patients had 105 injuries: 68 tracheal and 37 esophageal (including 10 combined). Mean age 30.9 (± 14), 87.4% male, 82.1% penetrating, and 28.4% with vascular injuries. Median ISS, chest AIS, admission BP, Shock Index, and lactate were 26 (16-34), 4 (3-4), 132 (113-149) mmHg, .8 (.7-1.1), and 3.1 (2.4-5.6) mmol/L, respectively. There were 46 cervical and 22 thoracic airway injuries; 5 patients in extremis required preoperative ECMO. 66 airway injuries were surgically repaired and 2 definitively managed with endobronchial stents. There were 24 cervical, 11 thoracic, 2 abdominal esophageal injuries-all repaired surgically. Combined tracheoesophageal injuries were individually managed and buttressed. 4 airway complications were successfully managed, and 11 esophageal complications managed conservatively, stented, or resected. Mortality was 9.6%, half from intraoperative hemorrhage. Specific mortality: tracheobronchial 8.8%, esophageal 10.8%, and combined 20%. Mortality was significantly associated with higher ISS (P = .01), vascular injury (P = .007), blunt mechanism (P = .01), bronchial injury (P = .01), and years 2000-2010 (P = .03), but not combined tracheobronchial injury. CONCLUSION: Mortality is associated with several variables, including vascular trauma and years 2000-2010. The use of ECMO and endoluminal stents in highly selected patients and institutional experience may account for 97.8% survival over the past decade.

Investigation of the histopathological level of Ki-67, caspase-3 expressions of the effects of hesperidin on wound healing in the rat esophagus.

PURPOSE: The effects of hesperidin application on the wound caused by esophageal burns were investigated in this study. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: Control group: only 1 mL of 0.09% NaCl was administered i.p. for 28 days; Burn group: An alkaline esophageal burn model was created with 0.2 mL of 25% NaOH orally by gavage-1 mL of 0.09% NaCl was administered i.p. for 28 days; Burn+Hesperidin group: 1 mL of 50 mL/kg of hesperidin was given i.p. for 28 days to rats after burn injury. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Esophagus samples were processed for histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were significantly increased in Burn group. Glutathione (GSH) content and histological scores of epithelialization, collagen formation, neovascularization was decreased. After hesperidin treatment, these values were significantly improved in the Burn+Hesperidin group. In the Burn group, epithelial cells and muscular layers were degenerated. Hesperidin treatment restored these pathologies in Burn+Hesperidin group. Ki-67 and caspase-3 expressions were mainly negative in control group; however, the expression was increased in the Burn group. In the Burn+Hesperidin group, Ki-67 and caspase-3 immune activities were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperidin dosage and application methods can be developed as an alternative treatment for burn healing and treatment.

Management of an Unusual Avulsion Trauma of Total Esophagus During Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: An esophageal defect usually resulted from surgical ablation of tumors or corrosive injury. Staged reconstructions are required usually in extensive defects. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present a rare iatrogenic complication of total esophageal avulsion injury during upper gastrointestinal endoscopic treatment and to perform staged reconstructions to create a neoesophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the presented case, staged reconstructions with a tubed deltopectoral flap and a supercharged colon interposition flap were performed to reconstruct the hypopharynx and esophagus. However, recurrent choking occurred because of the extent of injury involving the epiglottis. A tubed free radial forearm flap connected to the lower buccogingival sulcus was used to create a new route for food passage. RESULTS: The patient resumed oral intake after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The avulsion injury of the total esophagus is rare and devastating. Staged reconstructions with a tubed deltopectoral flap, a supercharged colon interposition flap, and a tubed free radial forearm flap would be a safe and reliable method.

Incidence of opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction / Incidencia de disfunción esofágica inducida por opiáceos

Background: Retrospective studies have suggested that long-term use of opioids can cause esophageal motility dysfunction. A recent clinical entity known as opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) has been postulated. There is no data from prospective studies assessing the incidence of opioid-induced effects on the esophagus. Aim: Evaluate the incidence of OIED during chronic opioid therapy. Methods: From February 2017 to August 2018, all patients seen in the Pain Unit of the hospital, who started opioid treatment for chronic non-neoplastic pain and who did not present esophageal symptoms previously, were included. The presence of esophageal symptoms was assessed using the Eckardt score after 3 months and 1 year since the start of the study. In February 2021, the clinical records of all included patients were reviewed to assess whether esophageal symptoms were present and whether opioid therapy was continued. In patients presenting with esophageal symptoms, an endoscopy was performed and, if normal, a high-resolution esophageal manometry was performed. For a confidence level of 95%, a 4% margin of error and an estimated prevalence of 4%, a sample size of 92 patients was calculated. Results: 100 patients were included and followed while taking opioids, for a median of 31 months with a range between 4 and 48 months. Three women presented with dysphagia during the first 3 months of treatment, being diagnosed with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction; type II and type III achalasia. The cumulative incidence of OIED was 3%; 95%-CI: 0–6%. Conclusions: Chronic opioid therapy in patients with chronic non-neoplastic pain is associated with symptomatic esophageal dysfunction.(AU)

Antecedentes: Estudios retrospectivos han sugerido que el uso crónico de opiáceos puede causar disfunción esofágica. Se ha postulado una entidad clínica reciente denominada disfunción esofágica inducida por opioides (DEIO). No existen estudios prospectivos que evalúen la incidencia de esta entidad. Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de DEIO durante el tratamiento crónico con opiáceos. Métodos: Desde febrero de 2017 hasta agosto de 2018, se incluyeron todos los pacientes atendidos en la Unidad del Dolor de nuestro hospital, que iniciaron opiáceos por dolor crónico no neoplásico sin síntomas esofágicos previos. La clínica esofágica se valoró mediante la escala de Eckardt a los tres meses y al año. En febrero de 2021, se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes para evaluar la presencia de clínica esofágica y si continuaban con opiáceos. En los pacientes con síntomas esofágicos, se realizó una gastroscopia y, si era normal, una manometría esofágica de alta resolución. Para un nivel de confianza del 95%, una precisión del 4% y una prevalencia estimada del 4%, se calculó un tamaño muestral de 92 pacientes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 100 pacientes que fueron seguidos mientras tomaban opiáceos, con una mediana de 31 meses y un rango entre 4 y 48 meses. Tres mujeres presentaron un trastorno motor esofágico durante el seguimiento (obstrucción funcional de la unión esofagogástrica; acalasia tipo II y tipo III). La incidencia acumulada fue del 3%; IC 95%: 0-6%. Conclusiones: El tratamiento crónico con opiáceos en pacientes con dolor crónico no neoplásico se asocia a disfunción esofágica sintomática.(AU)

A Rare Self-Inflicted Stabbing to the Neck Injuring the Distal Trachea and Proximal Esophagus.

Penetrating neck trauma poses a significant risk to multiple vital structures, which if not treated immediately may lead to devastating consequences. Our patient presented after sustaining self-inflicted stab wounds to the neck. He was taken to the operating room for a left neck exploration and median sternotomy, revealing a distal tracheal injury. Following repair of the tracheal injury, an intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a full-thickness esophageal injury 15 cm proximal to the tracheal injury. Both injuries were the result of separate stab entries originating from the same external midline wound. To our knowledge, this case report is unique in bringing this circumstance to the literature, demonstrating the importance of full intraoperative examination to assess for concomitant wounds in stab injuries after the initial pathology has been found and the initial stab trajectory understood.

Evolving threat of pediatric ingestions: a discussion of cannabis and button batteries and their implications for children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric button battery and cannabis ingestions are rising in incidence and have the potential for significant harm. This review will focus on the clinical presentation and complications of these two common inadvertent ingestions in children, as well as recent regulatory efforts and advocacy opportunities. RECENT FINDINGS: The rising incidence of cannabis toxicity in children has corresponded with its legalization across several countries in the last decade. Inadvertent pediatric cannabis intoxication is most commonly due to the ingestion of edible forms discovered by children in their own home. The clinical presentation can be nonspecific, therefore clinicians should have a low threshold for including it on their differential diagnosis. Button battery ingestions are also increasing in incidence. While many children are asymptomatic at presentation, button battery ingestions can quickly cause esophageal injury and lead to several serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt recognition and removal of esophageal button batteries is essential for reducing harm. SUMMARY: Cannabis and button battery ingestions are important for physicians who take care of children to recognize and manage appropriately. Given their rising incidence, there are many opportunities for policy improvements and advocacy efforts to make a difference in preventing these ingestions altogether.

Very High-Power Ablation for Contiguous Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Results From the Randomized POWER PLUS Trial.

BACKGROUND: Very high-power, short-duration (90-W/4-second) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may reduce procedural times. However, shorter applications with higher power may impact lesion quality. OBJECTIVES: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, the authors compared procedural efficiency, efficacy, and safety of PVI using 90-W/4-second ablation to 35/50-W ablation. METHODS: Patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing first-time PVI were randomized to pulmonary vein encirclement with contiguous applications using very high-power, short-duration applications (90 W over 4 seconds) or 35/50-W applications (titrated up to ablation index >550 anteriorly and >400 posteriorly). Prospective endpoints were procedural efficiency (procedure time and first-pass isolation), safety (including esophageal endoscopic evaluation), and 6-month effectiveness using repetitive Holter monitoring. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients were randomized, 90 to the 90-W group (mean age: 64.2 ± 8.9 years) and 90 to the 35/50-W group (mean age: 62.3 ± 10.8 years). Procedural time was shorter in the 90-W group vs the 35/50-W group (70 [IQR: 60-80] minutes vs 75 [IQR: 65-88.3] minutes; P = 0.009). A nonsignificant trend towards lower rates of first-pass isolation was seen in the 90-W group (83.9% vs 90%; P = 0.0852). No major complications were observed in both groups with esophageal injury occurring in 1 patient per group. At 6 months, 17% of patients in the 90-W group vs 15% in the 35/50-W group experienced recurrent arrhythmia (P = 0.681). CONCLUSIONS: Contiguous ablation using very high-power, short-duration applications results in a significant but modest reduction in procedure time with similar safety and 6-month efficacy vs a conventional approach. A hybrid approach combining both ablation modalities might be the most optimal strategy. (POWER PLUS [Very High Power Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Schedule for a First Pulmonary Vein Isolation]; NCT04784013).

Evaluating temperature gradients across the posterior left atrium with radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal injury is a well-known complication associated with catheter ablation. Though novel methods to mitigate esophageal injury have been developed, few studies have evaluated temperature gradients with catheter ablation across the posterior wall of the left atrium, interstitium, and esophagus. METHODS: To investigate temperature gradients across the tissue, we developed a porcine heart-esophageal model to perform ex vivo catheter ablation on the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA), with juxtaposed interstitial tissue and esophagus. Circulating saline (5 L/min) was used to mimic blood flow along the LA and alteration of ionic content to modulate impedance. Thermistors along the region of interest were used to analyze temperature gradients. Varying time and power, radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions were applied with an externally irrigated ablation catheter. Ablation strategies were divided into standard approaches (SAs, 10-15 g, 25-35 W, 30 s) or high-power short duration (HPSD, 10-15 g, 40-50 W, 10 s). Temperature gradients, time to the maximum measured temperature, and the relationship between measured temperature as a function of distance from the site of ablation was analyzed. RESULTS: In total, five experiments were conducted each utilizing new porcine posterior LA wall-esophageal specimens for RF ablation (n = 60 lesions each for SA and HPSD). For both SA and HPSD, maximum temperature rise from baseline was markedly higher at the anterior wall (AW) of the esophagus compared to the esophageal lumen (SA: 4.29°C vs. 0.41°C, p < .0001 and HPSD: 3.13°C vs. 0.28°C, p < .0001). Across ablation strategies, the average temperature rise at the AW of the esophagus was significantly higher with SA relative to HPSD ablation (4.29°C vs. 3.13°C, p = .01). From the start of ablation, the average time to reach a maximum temperature as measured at the AW of the esophagus with SA was 36.49 ± 12.12 s, compared to 16.57 ± 4.54 s with HPSD ablation, p < .0001. Fit to a linear scale, a 0.37°C drop in temperature was seen for every 1 cm increase in distance from the site of ablation and thermistor location at the AW of the esophagus. CONCLUSION: Both SA and HPSD ablation strategies resulted in markedly higher temperatures measured at the AW of the esophagus compared to the esophageal lumen, raising concern about the value of clinical intraluminal temperature monitoring. The temperature rise at the AW was lower with HPSD. A significant time delay was seen to reach the maximum measured temperature and a modest increase in distance between the site of ablation and thermistor location impacted the accuracy of monitored temperatures.

Management of Penetrating Injury to the Esophagus Into the Aorta by a Fishbone.

A 66-year-old man was reported to have persistent chest pain for 4 hours after accidentally swallowing a fishbone. An isolated esophageal foreign body (EFB) was suspected in the community hospital. In our center, an emergency chest CT scan revealed an EFB in the upper part of the esophagus of the patient which penetrated the left esophageal wall as well as the distal aortic arch. However, the experience of the treatment strategy for this lesion is still not enough available. Considering the surgical trauma and the risk associated with advanced age of the patient, the option for open surgery was waived. In addition, there was also a risk of sudden death due to aortic rupture that could occur after direct removal of the fishbone. Therefore, emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed and the fishbone was removed under an endoscope. The patient successfully pulled through without any discomfort, with no complications.

In vivo tissue temperature during lesion size index-guided 50W ablation versus 30W ablation: A porcine study.

BACKGROUND: Neither the actual in vivo tissue temperatures reached with lesion size index (LSI)-guided high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation for atrial fibrillation nor the safety profile has been elucidated. METHODS: We conducted a porcine study (n = 7) in which, after right thoracotomy, we implanted 6-8 thermocouples epicardially in the superior vena cava, right pulmonary vein, and esophagus close to the inferior vena cava. We compared tissue temperatures reached during 50 W-HPSD ablation with those reached during standard (30 W) ablation, both targeting an LSI of 5.0 (5-15 g contact force). RESULTS: Tmax  (maximum tissue temperature when the thermocouple was located ≤5 mm from the catheter tip) reached during HPSD ablation was modestly higher than that reached during standard ablation (58.0 ± 10.1°C vs. 53.6 ± 9.2°C; p = .14) and peak tissue temperature correlated inversely with the distance between the catheter tip and the thermocouple, regardless of the power settings (HPSD: r = -0.63; standard: r = -0.66). Lethal temperature (≥50°C) reached 6.3 ± 1.8 s and 16.9 ± 16.1 s after the start of HPSD and standard ablation, respectively (p = .002), and it was best predicted at a catheter tip-to-thermocouple distance cut point of 2.8 and 5.3 mm, respectively. All lesions produced by HPSD ablation and by standard ablation were transmural. There was no difference between HPSD ablation and standard ablation in the esophageal injury rate (70% vs. 75%, p = .81), but the maximum distance from the esophageal adventitia to the injury site tended to be shorter (0.94 ± 0.29 mm vs. 1.40 ± 0.57 mm, respectively; p = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Actual tissue temperatures reached with LSI-guided HPSD ablation appear to be modestly higher, with a shorter distance between the catheter tip and thermocouple achieving lethal temperature, than those reached with standard ablation. HPSD ablation lasting <6 s may help minimize lethal thermal injury to the esophagus lying at a close distance.

Improved hospital discharge and cost savings with esophageal cooling during left atrial ablation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial ablation to obtain pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a technologically intensive procedure utilizing innovative and continually improving technology. Changes in the technology utilized for PVI can in turn lead to changes in procedure costs. Because of the proximity of the esophagus to the posterior wall of the left atrium, various technologies have been utilized to protect against thermal injury during ablation. The impact on hospital costs during PVI ablation from utilization of different technologies for esophageal protection during ablation has not previously been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the costs of active esophageal cooling to luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during left atrial ablation. METHODS: We performed a time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) analysis to determine costs for PVI procedures. Published data and literature review were utilized to determine differences in procedure time and same-day discharge rates using different esophageal protection technologies and to determine the cost impacts of same-day discharge versus overnight hospitalization after PVI procedures. The total costs were then compared between cases using active esophageal cooling to those using LET monitoring. RESULTS: The effect of implementing active esophageal cooling was associated with up to a 24.7% reduction in mean total procedure time, and an 18% increase in same-day discharge rate. TDABC analysis identified a $681 reduction in procedure costs associated with the use of active esophageal cooling after including the cost of the esophageal cooling device. Factoring in the 18% increase in same-day discharge resulted in an increased cost savings of $2,135 per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The use of active esophageal cooling is associated with significant cost-savings when compared to traditional LET monitoring, even after accounting for the additional cost of the cooling device. These savings originate from a per-patient procedural time savings and a per-population improvement in same-day discharge rate.

In vivo tissue temperatures during 90 W/4 sec-very high power-short-duration (vHPSD) ablation versus ablation index-guided 50 W-HPSD ablation: A porcine study.

INTRODUCTION: Neither the actual in vivo tissue temperatures reached with 90 W/4 s-very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) ablation for atrial fibrillation nor the safety and efficacy profile have been fully elucidated. METHODS: We conducted a porcine study (n = 15) in which, after right thoracotomy, we implanted 6-8 thermocouples epicardially in the superior vena cava, right pulmonary vein, and esophagus close to the inferior vena cava. We compared tissue temperatures close to a QDOT MICRO catheter, between during 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation during ablation index (AI: target 400)-guided 50 W-HPSD ablation, both targeting a contact force of 8-15 g. RESULTS: Maximum tissue temperature reached during 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation did not differ significantly from that during 50 W-HPSD ablation (49.2 ± 8.4°C vs. 50.0 ± 12.1°C; p = .69) and correlated inversely with distance between the catheter tip and the thermocouple, regardless of the power settings (r = -0.52 and r = -0.37). Lethal temperature (≥50°C) was best predicted at a catheter tip-to-thermocouple distance cut-point of 3.13 and 4.27 mm, respectively. All lesions produced by 90 W/4 s-vHPSD or 50 W-HPSD ablation were transmural. Although there was no difference in the esophageal injury rate (50% vs. 66%, p = .80), the thermal lesion was significantly shallower with 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation than with 50W-HPSD ablation (381.3 ± 127.3 vs. 820.0 ± 426.1 µm from the esophageal adventitia; p = .039). CONCLUSION: Actual tissue temperatures reached with 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation appear similar to those with AI-guided 50 W-HPSD ablation, with the distance between the catheter tip and target tissue being shorter for the former. Although both ablation settings may create transmural lesions in thin atrial tissues, any resulting esophageal thermal lesions appear shallower with 90 W/4 s-vHPSD ablation.

Investigation of the histopathological level of Ki-67, caspase-3 expressions of the effects of hesperidin on wound healing in the rat esophagus

Purpose: The effects of hesperidin application on the wound caused by esophageal burns were investigated in this study. Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: Control group: only 1 mL of 0.09% NaCl was administered i.p. for 28 days; Burn group: An alkaline esophageal burn model was created with 0.2 mL of 25% NaOH orally by gavage­1 mL of 0.09% NaCl was administered i.p. for 28 days; Burn+Hesperidin group: 1 mL of 50 mL/kg of hesperidin was given i.p. for 28 days to rats after burn injury. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Esophagus samples were processed for histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were significantly increased in Burn group. Glutathione (GSH) content and histological scores of epithelialization, collagen formation, neovascularization was decreased. After hesperidin treatment, these values were significantly improved in the Burn+Hesperidin group. In the Burn group, epithelial cells and muscular layers were degenerated. Hesperidin treatment restored these pathologies in Burn+Hesperidin group. Ki-67 and caspase-3 expressions were mainly negative in control group; however, the expression was increased in the Burn group. In the Burn+Hesperidin group, Ki-67 and caspase-3 immune activities were reduced. Conclusion: Hesperidin dosage and application methods can be developed as an alternative treatment for burn healing and treatment.