To report a rare case of an iatrogenic esophageal-pleural fistula following a TEE-guided LAAC procedure and discuss management strategies, highlighting the significance of this complication.
Key Findings:
Esophageal-pleural fistula is a rare but serious complication of LAAC, necessitating careful monitoring.
Conservative management can be effective in high-risk patients, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches.
Persistent respiratory distress post-LAAC may indicate unusual complications, warranting further investigation.
Interpretation:
The case illustrates the need for vigilance in monitoring for rare complications following LAAC, especially in high-risk patients, and the importance of timely intervention.
Limitations:
The rarity of the complication limits generalizability.
Case study design does not allow for broader statistical analysis, and long-term follow-up data is lacking.
Conclusion:
In selected high-risk patients, conservative management of iatrogenic esophageal-pleural fistula can lead to successful outcomes, underscoring the need for individualized patient management strategies.
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