The USFDA has recently authorized the marketing of an esophageal temperature management device (ETM), a multi-lumen silicon tube designed to control patients’ temperature and reduce possible ablation-related esophageal injury during radiofrequency cardiac ablation. The ETM device also provides gastric decompression and suctioning. The ETM device can be inserted into the esophagus and connected to an external heat exchanger and cooling system. Water from the cooling system circulates inside the ETM tube and helps control patients’ temperature.
In addition, fluids can also be administered through an independent central lumen in the device. The marketing authorization was granted based on pre-clinical and three randomized controlled studies. In a study conducted on more than 25,000 patients, the ETM device significantly reduced about 83% of esophageal injuries and the risk of…
