Alternative Operative Strategy in the Management of an Atrio-Esophageal Fistula.

An atrio-esophageal fistula is a rare sequela of ablation. Standard approaches are associated with a high mortality. Atrial ablation resulting in an atrio-esophageal fistula is associated with exceedingly high mortality.

Long-term mechanical support for complex left ventricular postinfarct pseudoaneurysms.

Left ventricular free wall rupture can be a catastrophic problem. Although small lacerations can be managed with various techniques of primary closure, larger and more complex defects can be difficult to treat. We present and discuss 2 cases of chronic, complex ventricular pseudoaneurysms managed successfully with long-term mechanical support.

Abdominal computed tomography and the placement of inferior vena caval filters.

Background: Standard cavography is performed with iodinated contrast material with plain film or digital subtraction technique. However, preplacement imaging may change final inferior vena cava filter (IVC) placement in 11 to 26% of patients. This study will examine the use and reliability of incidental spiral computed abdominal tomography (CAT) scans for the placement of IVC filters.