Tracheo-innominate artery fistula successfully treated by endovascular stent-graft repair

Jpn J Radiol. 2013 Jan;31(1):65-70. doi: 10.1007/s11604-012-0143-y. Epub 2012 Oct 12.

Abstract

We report two patients who developed a tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIF) after tracheostomy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery protruding into the trachea. Stent grafts were deployed for the innominate artery via two different access routes: the transfemoral approach and the right carotid artery approach. Endovascular stent-graft repair resulted in complete exclusion of the TIF and control of the bleeding from the tracheal stoma. At 12- and 16-month follow-ups, neither patient had clinical signs of graft infection, recurrent fistulization, or ischemic complications. It is feasible and useful to employ the carotid artery approach for stent-graft implantation in patients who have vascular anatomical limitations for the transfemoral approach. Endovascular repair of TIF by stent grafting is a minimally invasive treatment that can be tolerated by patients in poor clinical condition, and is a feasible alternative to surgical treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Brachiocephalic Trunk / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachiocephalic Trunk / surgery*
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stents*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheal Diseases / etiology*
  • Tracheal Diseases / surgery*
  • Tracheostomy / adverse effects*
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology*
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery*

Substances

  • Contrast Media