Successful Closure of an Esophagopleural Fistula With an Amplatzer Occluder Sealed With Liquid Copolymer, With 3-Year Follow-Up and Review of Literature

Abstract

Esophageal perforations may recur, and/or develop a mature fistulous tract to the pleura, despite prompt surgical management. Treatment of a chronic esophageal fistula is challenging and may require multiple reoperations. We describe the closure of a controlled, chronic, benign esophagopleural fistula using an Amplatzer occluder and sealed with a liquid copolymer after failed open repair. At 3 years postprocedure, the patient has no further recurrence or complication associated with the repair. Amplatzer plugs and occluders, designed for endovascular and cardiac procedures, are increasingly used off-label for the treatment of complex, recurrent, or otherwise difficult to manage bronchopulmonary, pleural, and esophageal fistulae.