An esophageal-pleural fistula following transesophageal echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage closure: a case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

An esophageal-pleural fistula following transesophageal echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage closure: a case report

  • By

  • Libin Qiu

  • Jinpeng Liu

  • Haijing Fan

  • Hongxia Hao

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    A 77-year-old female developed an iatrogenic esophageal-pleural fistula after a TEE-guided left atrial appendage occlusion procedure.

  • 2

    Postoperative complications included pneumothorax and pleural effusion, with chest tube output revealing food particles.

  • 3

    A conservative management approach was adopted, involving gastrointestinal rest, antibiotics, and thoracic lavage.

  • 4

    The fistula closed after 52 days of treatment, demonstrating the feasibility of non-surgical management in high-risk patients.

  • 5

    This case emphasizes the rarity of TEE-related esophageal injuries and the need for vigilance in post-procedural care.

Original Source(s)

An esophageal-pleural fistula following transesophageal echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage closure: a case report

  • by Libin Qiu, Jinpeng Liu, Haijing Fan, Hongxia Hao

  • May 13, 2026

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