Novel ASD device closure for treatment of post esophagectomy leak: a case series
Abstract
Anastomotic leaks occur in 5%–29% of patients after esophagectomy for malignancy and remain a major therapeutic challenge. Conventional options include surgical repair, diversion, endoscopic, or conservative management. A novel approach uses an atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device—originally designed for cardiac use—to seal post-esophagectomy leaks. We report four male patients who developed anastomotic leaks within 14 days after laparoscopic esophagectomy for gastroesophageal junction tumors. Standard management failed, and ASD device placement achieved successful closure in three cases, with long-term follow-up available for two. This series highlights the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ASD devices as a minimally invasive option for refractory esophageal leaks. Although experience remains limited, these devices show promise as an alternative or adjunct to conventional methods. Further studies comparing outcomes and durability are needed to define their role in gastrointestinal leak management.
Related
- Durability of a novel mechanical aortic valve closure technique during left ventricular assist device support: A comparative case report.
- Design assessment and preliminary performance evaluation of a novel device for non-invasive emergency treatment of acute respiratory failure.
- Transcatheter closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm via steerable sheath assisted atrial septal occluder device delivery
- Improvements in Return to Work Following Lumbar Discectomy With a Bone-Anchored Annular Closure Device
- Anatomical Risk Factors for Technical Failure of the Perclose Vascular Closure Device: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.
BibTeX
@article{fernandopulle2026novel,
title = {{Novel ASD device closure for treatment of post esophagectomy leak: a case series}},
author = {Nilesh Fernandopulle and Githma Wimalasena and Deedat Safeer and Randima Nanayakkara and Janaka de Silva},
journal = {Journal of Surgical Case Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/jscr/rjaf1053},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjaf1053},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Novel ASD device closure for treatment of post esophagectomy leak: a case series
AU - Nilesh Fernandopulle
AU - Githma Wimalasena
AU - Deedat Safeer
AU - Randima Nanayakkara
AU - Janaka de Silva
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - Journal of Surgical Case Reports
DO - 10.1093/jscr/rjaf1053
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjaf1053
AB - Anastomotic leaks occur in 5%–29% of patients after esophagectomy for malignancy and remain a major therapeutic challenge. Conventional options include surgical repair, diversion, endoscopic, or conservative management. A novel approach uses an atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device—originally designed for cardiac use—to seal post-esophagectomy leaks. We report four male patients who developed anastomotic leaks within 14 days after laparoscopic esophagectomy for gastroesophageal junction tumors. Standard management failed, and ASD device placement achieved successful closure in three cases, with long-term follow-up available for two. This series highlights the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ASD devices as a minimally invasive option for refractory esophageal leaks. Although experience remains limited, these devices show promise as an alternative or adjunct to conventional methods. Further studies comparing outcomes and durability are needed to define their role in gastrointestinal leak management.
SN - 2042-8812
ER -