Optimal surgical approach to left atrioesophageal fistula following catheter radiofrequency ablation.

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) formation is a rare but formidable complication after catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation. We present four patients who underwent urgent primary intracardiac repair of the left atrium via sternotomy with central cardiopulmonary bypass and early aortic cross-clamp, followed by repair of the esophagus. We believe that this approach represents the safest strategy for addressing this morbid and often fatal complication.