Case reportSuccessful Treatment of Atrioesophageal Fistula by Cervical Esophageal Ligation and Decompression
Section snippets
Comment
Patients with atrioesophageal fistula typically present 3 to 38 days after cardiac ablation [4], with a mean of 12 days (range, 10 to 16 days) [5]. Presenting symptoms usually include fever, malaise, dysphagia, chest pain, neurologic symptoms, gastrointestinal bleeding, and sepsis. A high level of suspicion for atrioesophageal fistula should exist for patients with these symptoms and a recent atrial ablative procedure. Esophagram with thin barium or water-soluble contrast may show extravasation
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Cited by (18)
Surgical Treatment of Atrioesophageal Fistula: A Systematic Review
2023, Annals of Thoracic SurgeryOptimal Surgical Approach to Left Atrioesophageal Fistula After Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation
2022, Annals of Thoracic SurgeryAtrioesophageal fistula from percutaneous ablation for atrial fibrillation
2021, JTCVS TechniquesOptimal Approach for Repair of Left Atrial-Esophageal Fistula Complicating Radiofrequency Ablation
2018, Annals of Thoracic SurgeryCitation Excerpt :A few reports in the literature have described surgical management of this complication. Surgical techniques include esophageal stent placement, cervical esophageal ligation with decompression, and primary surgical repair through a sternotomy or thoracotomy, with or without the use of CPB [3–7]. The optimal approach and technique for repair is unknown.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of neurologic sequela after atrioesophageal fistula
2015, Annals of Thoracic SurgeryCitation Excerpt :Second, the patient underwent successful primary surgical repair of both the atrium and the esophagus without the need for CPB. Previous reports of successful AEF repair have included the use of CPB [5, 6]. Although CPB may be necessary in the event of large atrial defects, the atrial aspect of the fistula in this instance was able to be isolated and controlled without CPB.
Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of left atrial abscess after ablation of atrial fibrillation
2013, Annals of Thoracic SurgeryCitation Excerpt :The healed fistula communication between the left atrium and esophagus likely explains the delayed clinical presentation of AE fistula in this patient. Extracardiac and intracardiac repairs of AE fistula have both been reported, with mortality exceeding 50% [2–4]. The intermittent antibiotic use and continuous anticoagulation likely protected the patient and allowed the fistula to heal, with a satisfactory surgical outcome.