title: Closure of a broncho-to-neoesophageal fistula using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder device.
abstract: Fistulas between the airways and the digestive tract are a rare complication of esophagectomy. We describe such a fistula complicated by recurrent pneumonia. We successfully closed the fistula with an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (AGA Medical Corp, Plymouth, MN), a nitinol device designed for percutaneous closure of congenital heart defects. The device was deployed under direct visualization through rigid bronchoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: William B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Moskowitz
authors.forename: R Wesley
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Shepherd
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055989:Septal Occluder Device