Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50(4): 249-250
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33096
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula: Successful Surgical Management of One Case

C.-W.  Hsiao1 , S.-C.  Lee1 , K.-C.  Lee2 , Y.-L.  Cheng1 , C.  Tzao1
  • 1 Division of Thoracic Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
  • 2 Division of Cardiovascular surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service
    General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Further Information

Publication History

Received July 23, 2001

Publication Date:
07 August 2002 (online)

Abstract

Fistula formation between the trachea and the innominate artery following tracheostomy is a rare, but life-threatening complication. Because of its clinical presentation with acute, massive, intractable bleeding, the mortality is nearly 100 % without operation. To the best of our knowledge, the autologous pericardium flap for coverage of the tracheal defect has not been discussed in the English-language literature. We successfully treated one case of tracheoinnominate artery fistula following tracheostomy by using autologous pericardium flap.

References

  • 1 Jones J W, Reynolds M, Hewitt R L, Drapanas T. Tracheoinnominate artery erosion: successful surgical management of a devastating complication.  Ann Surg. 1976;  184 194-204
  • 2 Weiss J B, Ozment K L, Westbrook K C, Williams G D. Tracheal innominate artery fistula, successful management of two cases.  South Med J. 1976;  69 530-532
  • 3 Mehalic T F, Farhat S M. Tracheoarterial fistula: a complication of tracheostomy in patients with brain stem injury.  J Trauma. 1972;  12 140-143
  • 4 Edelson R J, Locicero J. Delayed hemorrhage from an anomalous carotid artery following tracheostomy.  Am Surg. 1989;  55 488-491
  • 5 Hafez A, Couraud L, Velly J F, Brunetcau A. A late cataclysmic hemorrhage from the innominate artery after tracheostomy.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1984;  32 335-319
  • 6 Gelman J J, Aro M, Weiss S M. Tracheoinnominate artery fistula.  Journal of the American College of Surgeons.. 1994;  179 (5) 626-634
  • 7 Kirby R R. The monitoring of mechanically ventilated patients.  Int Anesthesiol Clin. 1997;  35 65-86

Correspondence

Dr. Ching Tzao

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital

325, Cheng Kung Road, Section 2

Taipei, Taiwan

Republic of China

Phone: +886 (2) 87 92 74 03

Fax: +886 (2) 87 92 71 67

Email: doc20325@sinamail.com