Optimal Approach for Repair of Left Atrial-Esophageal Fistula Complicating Radiofrequency Ablation

W Hampton Gray; Fernando Fleischman; Mark J Cunningham; Anthony W Kim; Craig J Baker; Vaughn A Starnes; P Michael McFadden

doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.12.026

Optimal Approach for Repair of Left Atrial-Esophageal Fistula Complicating Radiofrequency Ablation

Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 May;105(5):e229-e231. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.12.026. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Authors

W Hampton Gray¹, Fernando Fleischman², Mark J Cunningham², Anthony W Kim², Craig J Baker², Vaughn A Starnes², P Michael McFadden²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

PMID: 29410186
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.12.026

Abstract

Left atrial-esophageal fistula after endovascular radiofrequency ablation for cardiac arrhythmias is a life-threatening complication. Immediate surgical repair offers the best chance for survival. The optimal surgical technique is unknown. We describe our recommended surgical approach.

MeSH terms

Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
Esophageal Fistula / diagnosis
Esophageal Fistula / etiology
Esophageal Fistula / surgery*
Heart Atria*
Humans
Vascular Fistula / diagnosis
Vascular Fistula / etiology
Vascular Fistula / surgery*