Introduction: Delayed pericardial effusion following WATCHMAN FLX implantation is not well understood. We present a case series of two patients with hyperdynamic left atrial appendages (LAA) who developed delayed pericardial effusions following WATCHMAN FLX™ implantation. Methods: Successful left atrial appendage closure was performed in 2 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using the WATCHMAN FLX™ device. Both patients had hyperdynamic left atrial appendages noted during their procedures. Intra-procedure course was uncomplicated. Results: Delayed pericardial effusion occurred necessitating drainage in both cases. Conclusion: While exact mechanisms remain unclear, sinus rhythm and the presence of a hyperdynamic LAA may play a role. Understanding the interaction of the appendage and the delivery system may help to reduce the likelihood of this rare, but serious, complication. Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Left Atrial Appendage Closure; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiocentesis.

Reply to “Additional Data Protection of the Esophagus During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation”Mahmoud Houmsse, MD, and Emile G. Daoud, MDDepartment of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Richard M. Ross Heart HospitalThe Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OHRunning Title: Protection of EsophagusAddress for correspondence: Emile Daoud, MDDHLRI 473 W. 12th Avenue, Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43210-1252 Telephone: 877-478-2478 FAX : 614-293-5614E-Mail: [email protected]: NoneDisclosure: Emile Daoud and The Ohio State University have equity ownership and serve as consultants to S4 Medical Corp, which is manufacturing the Esoultion esophageal retractor.Disclosure: Mahmoud Houmsse has no conflict of interestWe Thank Dr.Clark and Dr. Kulstad for their interest in our recent review manuscript “protection of the esophagus during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation”We agree with Dr. Clark and Dr. Kulstad that utilization of luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during atrial fibrillation ablation is inadequate method to avoid esophageal injury. These have been reported in multiple studies that were referenced in our manuscript. The newer published studies regrading monitoring LET during atrial fibrillation ablation, which were reported by Dr. Clark and Dr. Kulstad, have been published during our manuscript publication process. Nevertheless, these studies that reported by Dr. Clark and Dr. Kulstad showed same conclusion of inadequate LET monitoring in preventing esophageal injury 1-3.Regarding active cooling, Dr. Clark and Dr. Kulstad reported recent published studies. First study small pilot study that showed active cooling is much more protective than manual liquid instillation4. The second pilot RCT that compared LET and active cooling showed same outcome like the IMPACT study that we reported in our manuscript 5,6.We agree with Dr. Clark and Kulstad, growing interest in the area of esophageal protection during atrial fibrillation ablation.We do believe, as we stated in the conclusion of our manuscript, that “a reliable method to protect the esophagus is of clinical value, but the ancillary value of reducing physician concern during AF ablation, reducing interruption to ablation work flow, perhaps enhancing AF ablation results and simplifying post procedure management of patient symptoms are also of high importance. Considering the ease of use, minimal side effects, and low costs associated with esophageal protection devices, these features offer compelling evidence for use of esophageal protection as routine care for AF ablation”.

Esophageal injury still occurs with high frequency during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study is to provide a review of methods to protect the esophagus from injury during AF ablation. Despite advances in imaging and ablation, the potential risk of esophageal injury during AF ablation remains an important concern with a high occurrence of esophageal injury (≈15%). There have been numerous studies evaluating varied techniques for esophageal protection including active cooling and displacement of the esophagus. These techniques are reviewed in this manuscript as well as the role of esophageal protection in managing patients undergoing AF ablation procedure.