Abstract
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.
Keywords
ablative therapy - atrial fibrillation - atrial-esophageal - esophageal surgery -
thoracotomy
