Real-time Assessment of the Esophagus and Left Atrial Posterior Wall by
Intra-left Atrial Echocardiography
Abstract
Backgrounds: Localization of the esophagus and the left atrium (LA)
posterior wall thickness (LAPWT) should be taken into account when
delivering radiofrequency energy. Intracardiac echo (ICE) advanced into
the LA is useful in visualizing LA and surrounding structure by its high
and real-time resolution. Methods: In 73 patients (mean age, 68±12;
paroxysmal AF in 45), 3-dimensional (3D) esophagus image was created
with CARTO Soundstar® and its location was compared with contrast
esophagography saved in Carto UNIVU™. LAPWT adjacent to the esophagus
was measured at 4 levels: left superior PV (LSPV), intervenous carina
(IC), left inferior PV (LIPV), and LIPV bottom. A target AI value was
260 (25W power) on the esophagus region. Results: All patients had the
esophagus posterior to the left PV antrum. Creating 3D esophagus and
measurement of LAPWT with ICE was done without any complications. ICE
esophagus image was completely overlapped with contrast esophagography.
LAPWT (mm) was 2.8 (interquartile range, 2.5-3.2), 2.2 (1.9-2.5), 1.9
(1.8-2.1), and 2.1 (1.9-2.4) for LSPV, IC, LIPV and LIPV bottom,
respectively, while LA roof thickness 3.2 (2.9-3.6) (P<0.0001
by ANOVA). No residual conduction gap on the esophagus after the first
circumferential PV isolation was found in 64 of 73 (88%) patients.
Conclusions: ICE inserted into the LA can reliably locate and display
the esophagus and its relationship to the LA. LAPWT was thinnest at LIPV
level. AI-guide ablation targeting a relatively low target AI value 260
on the esophagus seemed to be effective.