This case highlights the complex, multi-stage surgical management required for a life-threatening esophagopericardial fistula following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Supports feasibility of complex surgical repair in rare post-ablation fistulas; leaves open prevention strategies and prospective validation.
An esophagopericardial fistula developed in a 33-year-old patient after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. He was initially managed with an esophageal repair and a left atrial bovine pericardial patch and eventually an esophagectomy. At 6-month follow up he had no symptoms. The case highlights the complexities of managing this life-threatening complication. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
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Kheslat et al. (2021) studied this question.
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