Keywords
surgical ablation - esophageal - pericardium - cardiopulmonary bypass - CPB
Case History
The patient was a 35-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation (AF) for 6 years. She
underwent several electrical cardioversion procedures in the past. She has reverted
to persistent symptomatic AF. She was electrically cardioverted and underwent successful
transcatheter radiofrequency ablation. Two weeks after discharge, she presented to
another facility with low-grade fever, general malaise, and substernal chest pain.
Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated intrapericardial air and fluid ([Fig. 1]). Given her history, we suspected a pericardial–esophageal fistula (PEF) or a possible
atrial–esophageal fistula (AEF) and emergently transferred her to our center. She
was expeditiously transferred to the operating room. She was maintained in Trendelenburg
position during this entire process to avoid air embolus in the event of an AEF. Both
cardiac and general thoracic teams operated on this patient in concert.
Fig. 1 A computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast was performed which demonstrated
intrapericardial air adjacent to the left atrium (arrow). No other imaging studies
were obtained.
A midline sternotomy and then pericardiotomy was performed. Purulent material and
food particles were noted. Ascending aortic and bicaval cannulation were performed
and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was initiated. The ascending aorta was cross-clamped
and antegrade cardioplegia was administered to obtain cardiac arrest ([Fig. 2]). The heart was lifted up to expose the posterior pericardium and left atrium, and
a fistula from the esophagus to the pericardium was identified ([Fig. 3]). The left atrium was carefully separated from the esophageal defect and was noted
to be indurated and fibrotic; however, the left atrium was not perforated and there
were no areas of bleeding. Esophagoscopy was performed to carefully evaluate the esophageal
defect ([Fig. 4]). This was debrided to healthy tissue, separating the esophageal mucosa from the
muscle layers. This was closed primarily in two layers with several interrupted 3–0
Vicryl sutures and buttressed with pericardium. The esophagus was insufflated endoscopically
and the repair was pneumostatic. Next, an upper midline laparotomy was performed.
A long, pedicled flap of omentum based on the right gastroepiploic artery was developed
([Fig. 5]). The omentum was brought into the chest through an iatrogenically created defect
in the central tendon of the diaphragm. It was placed posterior to the heart to separate
the left atrium from the esophagus ([Fig. 6]). A feeding jejunostomy tube and a nasogastric tube were inserted. The entire chest
and abdominal cavities were copiously irrigated and closed in the usual fashion, with
wide drainage of both cavities. A follow-up esophagram demonstrated no contrast extravasation
and complete healing without a remnant fistulous tract. The patient was discharged
home and made an uneventful recovery.
Fig. 2 The approach was via a sternotomy and laparotomy. Minimal manipulation of the heart
occurred before bicaval cannulation and aortic cross-clamp to prevent air embolism.
Fig. 3 With the aorta cross-clamped and the heart completely empty, the heart is lifted
to reveal the communication from the esophagus to the pericardium. The left atrium
appears uninvolved.
Fig. 4 Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed only after the aorta is cross-clamped to
decrease the risk of air embolism in the event of an atrial–esophageal fistula. The
identification of the esophageal injury/fistula by endoscopy is facilitated by introduction
of a probe from the pericardium.
Fig. 5 Omentum was harvested (based on the right gastroepiploic artery), and brought into
chest through the diaphragm.
Fig. 6 The esophageal defect is primarily repaired and covered with omentum that is brought
into the pericardial space through the diaphragm.
Discussion
As the prevalence of AF continues to increase worldwide so does the corresponding
number of catheter ablative procedures. As a result, one of the most devastating complications,
PEF and/or AEF, has also been on the rise.[1]
[2] PEF/AEF is a rare but potentially fatal complication after AF ablation. It is reported
to occur in 0.04 to 0.25% of AF cardiac ablations.[2]
[3] In one systematic, multicenter study involving more than 45,000 procedures, AEF
was the second leading cause of death.[4] No definitive risk factors have been identified predicting fistula formation. Intraoperative
strategies have been proposed to help limit esophageal injury.[2] These injuries have been reported with use of various energy sources such as radiofrequency
ablation, cryoablation, ultrasound, and surgical ablation.[1]
[2]
[3] A high index of suspicion must be maintained to make the diagnosis. However, the
majority of patients presenting with this complication do not survive.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5] Potential mechanisms of injury include direct thermal injury and vagal injury and
resultant increased acid reflux. Eventually, esophageal ulceration, ischemia, and
necrosis develop. Patients may present with a myriad of signs and symptoms, including
but not limited to chest pain, leukocytosis, fever, stroke, dysphagia, odynophagia,
hematemesis, heartburn, septic or hemorrhagic shock.[1]
[2]
[3]
[5] Symptom onset may occur days to months after the ablative procedure. CT scan of
the chest is the test of choice to make a diagnosis of AEF or PEF. Suggestive findings
include pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, intra-atrial air, or hemopericardium.[1]
[2]
[5] In cases in which there is a connection between the left atrium and the esophagus,
the patient may present with bleeding, and/or sequelae of air or food embolism. Endoscopy
and esophageal insufflation and transesophageal echocardiography are avoided until
after the aorta is cross-clamped to minimize risk of air embolism. It is safest to
approach this condition through a sternotomy or thoracotomy, and with CPB support
to deal with any fistulous connection between the esophagus and the atria that may
exist. In cases where the left atrium defect cannot be closed primarily, reconstruction
with bovine pericardium may be necessary.
Conclusion
Autologous tissue should be used to buttress and protect repairs. In rare cases like
ours, it is imperative to collaborate with numerous subspecialists. Patients undergoing
ablation should be educated about potential symptoms that may suggest a serious complication.