title: Closure of minor tracheoesophageal fistulae with calcium hydroxlapatite.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate a novel technique for the closure of a pinhole tracheoesophageal fistula using Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients underwent closure of a persistent tracheoesophageal fistula with four quadrant injections of Radiesse around the fistulous tract.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both patients had their fistulas successful closed. The first patient died after 3 months due to lung metastasis. The second patient required a further attempt at closure with Radiesse injection and has been without a leak for 18 months at his last follow up appointment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We feel this is an acceptable minimally invasive method to close a persistent pinhole tracheoesophageal fistula after failed management with chemical cautery.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, UK.
authors: Anand V
authors: AV
authors: Kasbekar
authors: Ian W
authors: IW
authors: Sherman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007831:Larynx, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017886:Durapatite