A Rare complication of aorto-left atrial fistula after aortic valve replacement and its management with intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

Aorto-atrial fistula is a rare complication of prosthetic aortic valve replacement and most of them have been diagnosed as a late complication. We present a case of this unusual complication after aortic valve replacement which was diagnosed intraoperatively and this potentially disastrous complication was corrected promptly. Early recognition and diagnosis of this rare surgical complication with intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is imperative for prompt surgical repair of this lethal defect.