Optimal Surgical Approach to Left Atrioesophageal Fistula After Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation.

Tauber, Karissa; Singhal, Sunil; Jarrar, Doraid; Bullinga, John R; Deo, Rajat; Marchlinski, Francis E; Pechet, Taine; Acker, Michael et al. · Ann Thorac Surg · 2022

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Atrioesophageal fistula formation is a rare but formidable complication after catheter radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. We present 4 patients who underwent urgent primary intracardiac repair of the left atrium via sternotomy with central cardiopulmonary bypass and early aortic cross-clamp, followed by repair of the esophagus. We believe that this approach represents the safest strategy for addressing this morbid and often fatal complication.

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