Atrio-oesophageal fistula after the cryomaze procedure. (13th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Lily; Milman, Steven; Ng, Thomas
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery. Volume 55:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 795
• Page End: 797
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13
• Subjects: Atrial ablation -- Atrio-oesophageal fistula -- Cryomaze procedure; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezy290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-7940

Abstract

Abstract: We report a case of an atrio-oesophageal fistula after biatrial cryomaze ablation for atrial fibrillation, a complication that has not yet been described in the literature for the cryomaze method. Our report also serves as a reminder of this rare but lethal complication- that it can occur after any method of ablation for atrial fibrillation and a high index of suspicion for its diagnosis must be maintained to allow for early surgical treatment which offers the best chance of survival.