Aorto-Esophageal Fistula Caused by Distal Stent Graft-Induced New Entry after Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique for Chronic Aortic Dissection.

ABSTRACT

We present a case of aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) caused by distal stent graft-induced new entry (dSINE) after the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for chronic aortic dissection. We propose that the combination of the spring-back force and the radial force of the FET may play a role in the occurrence of dSINE, leading to AEF. In this case, we successfully performed a three-stage surgery, including esophagectomy, descending aortic replacement, and esophageal reconstruction. To prevent this critical complication, additional endovascular aortic repair should be performed if the FET is not positioned at the straight portion of the descending aorta.