title: Repair of left atrial-esophageal fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial-esophageal fistula is a rare but often fatal complication of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. We present a patient who was diagnosed with this complication in a delayed fashion and successfully treated with primary repair via left thoracotomy. The details of the surgical approach are discussed.
authors: Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9638, USA. cvassileva@siumed.edu
authors: Christina M
authors: CM
authors: Vassileva
authors: Tilitha
authors: T
authors: Shawgo
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Shabosky
authors: Soliman
authors: S
authors: Soliman
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Hazelrigg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*