An esophageal mapping catheter enables a physician to map the location of
the esophagus so as to avoid damaging the esophagus during radio
frequency (RF) ablation procedures. Information from the esophageal
mapping catheter is communicated to a patient information unit,
communications unit and/or electroanatomic mapping system. The
electroanatomic mapping system uses the information from the esophageal
mapping catheter to develop a three-dimensional map of the esophagus and
to monitor the temperature within the esophagus in order to prevent the
creation of esophageal fistula.