Surgical repair of a left atrial-esophageal fistula after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Hartman, Alan R; Glassman, Lawrence; Katz, Stanley; Chinitz, Larry; Ross, William · Ann Thorac Surg · 2012

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Left atrial-esophageal fistula is a highly lethal complication of ablative therapy for atrial fibrillation. Because of its unusual rate of occurrence, there has not been a uniform approach to either the diagnosis or corrective therapy. We offer 1 such surgical option based on presumptive and early diagnosis-left atrial repair with cardiopulmonary bypass followed by repair of the esophagus with an omental wrap and supported with decompressive gastrostomy and feeding jejunostomy.

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