One-step thoracotomy approach for atrial-esophageal fistula repair without cardiopulmonary bypass
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Updated: Oct 6, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
June Lee1, Jeashin Yoon1, Seok Beom Hong1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Atrial-esophageal fistula is an extremely rare disease and a life-threatening complication after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. There is no consensus on the management or repair for atrial-esophageal fistula which has a high mortality rate. Here, we describe a lateral thoracotomy approach focused on simplifying the repair procedure for atrial-esophageal fistula in two patients.

