Abstract
Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but disastrous complication encountered after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation or flutter. Furthermore cerebral air embolism due to AEF is considered a strong predictor of mortality. In our case a patient presented with AEF and cerebral air embolism. As a rescue effort ventricular fibrillation was induced and sustained under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support until emergency AEF repair was feasible. Herein we report the successful use of the above measures to prevent further air embolism in a patient with radiofrequency catheter ablation–related AEF.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e13-e14 |
Journal | Annals of Thoracic Surgery |
Volume | 110 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 Jul |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine