Key result
Surgical repair of a left atrial-esophageal fistula using an intercostal muscle flap and bovine pericardial patch was successful in a patient 2 weeks post-radiofrequency ablation.
Case Report (n=1)
Surgical repair using an intercostal muscle flap and bovine pericardial patch can be a successful management strategy for left atrial-esophageal fistula following radiofrequency ablation.
Left atrial-esophageal fistula (LAEF) is a rare complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures undertaken for atrial fibrillation (AF). This complication is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no clear consensus on the appropriate management strategy. We report a case of a LAEF that developed in a patient 2 weeks after RFA for medication refractory AF. The patient underwent successful repair of the fistula through a left posterolateral thoracotomy, wherein the esophageal and atrial lesions were repaired primarily with an intercostal muscle flap and bovine pericardial patch to reinforce and prevent recurrence.
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Vasquez et al. (2013) conducted a case report in Left atrial-esophageal fistula (n=1). Surgical repair through a left posterolateral thoracotomy was evaluated on Successful repair. Surgical repair of a left atrial-esophageal fistula using an intercostal muscle flap and bovine pericardial patch was successful in a patient 2 weeks post-radiofrequency ablation.
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