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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1984; 32(2): 85-88
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1023354
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Innominate Artery Compression of the Traches in Infancy and Childhood: Is Surgical Therapy Justified?*

A. Welz1 , B. Reichert1 , Ch. Weinhold1 , P. Überfuhr1 , K. Mantel2 , Ch. Döhlemann2 , W. Hecker2
  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery,
  • 2Pediatric Hospital, University Clinic, Munich, FRG
*Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Werner Klinner on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
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Publication History

1983

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

We reviewed. innominate artery compression of the trachea in 10 medically treated patients (group I) and 6 children who underwent innominate arteriopexy (group II). The symptoms were as follows: (1) Stridor (80% in group I, and 66% in group II), (2) recurrent bronchopulmonary infections (40% in group I, 66% in group II) and (3) apneic attacks (10% in group I and 100% in group II). Diagnosis was made in all cases by tracheobronchoscopy. It revealed severe tracheal stenosis (narrowing more than 2 thirds) in all children treated by surgery. In group I the tracheal stenosis was mild (narrowing less than one third) in 5 cases, moderate (narrowing from one third to 2 thirds) in 4 cases and severe in only one case. The indication for surgery was based on a history of apneic attacks. In this study innominate arteriopexy has proven to be a reliable and low risk procedure which relieved reflex apnea and recurrent bronchopulmonary infections in all 6 children operated upon.

Key words

Innominate artery compression of the trachea - Apneic attacks - Tracheobronchoscopy - Innominate arteriopexy