Tracheoesophageal fistula types classified according to the scheme developed by EC Vogt[1] in 1929, as modified by Gross[2] in 1953.
* In type A, the phenotype ranges from severe stenosis of the esophagus, to a fibrous segment without a lumen, to a completely disconnected esophagus with a gap between proximal and distal segments (as shown in the illustration). A small gap generally can be repaired with a primary anastomosis, whereas a long gap requires other surgical techniques.
References:
Vogt EC. Congenital esophageal atresia. Am J of Roentgenol 1929; 22:463.
The Surgery of Infancy and Childhood. Gross RE (Ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1953.
Prevalence data from: Clark DC. Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Am Fam Physician 1999; 59:910.