Endovascular Management of Tracheo-Subclavian Fistula

Publication Date

2018

Journal Title

Ann Vasc Surg

Abstract

© 2018 Tracheoarterial fistula is a rare complication of tracheostomy with an incidence of less than 1%. Survival of this disease entity is low, and it likely results from a major open operation in a high-risk surgical group. In our review of the literature, a tracheoinnominate artery fistula is the most commonly reported arterial fistula. However, we present a rare case of tracheo–left subclavian artery fistula. We have identified 1 previous case of tracheo–left subclavian fistula as a source of massive tracheal bleeding. In our case report, we describe the successful management of this disease by endograft placement. Owing to its rarity, there are no guidelines on the management approach to tracheoarterial fistulas, but given the difficulty of controlling this problem via median sternotomy, the placement of a covered stent may be the best therapy. Initially, case reports showed a role for endograft placement as a temporizing measure, but the risk of infection may be sufficiently low to justify this approach as a definitive therapy. Upon a 6-month follow-up, our patient remains without recurrence of bleeding or infection, and computed tomography angiography of the chest with 3D reconstruction has shown patency of the endovascular stent with resolution of the associated pseudoaneurysm.

Volume Number

53

Pages

267

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

PMID

30012451

DOI

10.1016/j.avsg.2018.04.025

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

Share

COinS