Tracheoesophageal fistula and tracheo-subclavian artery fistula after tracheostomy

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2007 Oct;32(4):676-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcts.2007.06.040. Epub 2007 Aug 3.

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula and tracheo-arterial fistula are both uncommon but life-threatening complications after a tracheostomy. The most common source of a major hemorrhage is from the tracheo-innominate artery fistula. Most tracheo-arterial fistulas occur within the first 3 weeks after tracheostomy. We describe a very rare case of a patient who developed both a tracheoesophageal fistula and massive hemorrhage from a tracheo-left subclavian artery fistula 4 months after a tracheostomy procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Subclavian Artery*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / etiology*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / surgery
  • Tracheostomy / adverse effects*
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology*
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery