J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2005 May;21(1):60-63.

Successful Open Surgical Treatment of Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula after Endovascular Stent Graft Repair: A Case Report

• Chung SW
• Lee CW

Abstract

A tracheo-innominate artery fistula is a highly lethal complication following tracheostomy; therefore, it's early recognition and prompt treatment is mandatory. A 37-years-old man who had undergone a tracheostomy several days earlier, following brain surgery, was found to have a tracheo-innominate artery fistula with an exsanguinating hemorrhage from his tracheostomy site. After temporary control of the bleeding with ballooning, a stent graft was implanted through the femoral artery into the innominate artery. The patient experienced rebleeding from the mouth 50 days later. Aortoinnominate interposition grafting and patch closure of the trachea were performed for the permanent control of bleeding and to maintain the airway. This delayed operation is easier and safer than an emergency operation; therefore, we could expect better operative results under such circumstances. 12 months after surgery, the patient is in a state of well being.

Keyword

Tracheo-innominate artery fistula; Stent-graft; Aortoinnominate interposition

MeSH Terms

Arteries*
Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
Brachiocephalic Trunk
Brain
Emergencies
Exsanguination
Femoral Artery
Fistula*
Hemorrhage
Humans
Mouth
Stents*
Trachea
Tracheostomy
Transplants