Two cases of tracheoinnominate artery fistula following tracheostomy treated successfully by endovascular embolization of the innominate artery.

Abstract

Tracheoinnominate artery fistula (TIF) is a rare but lethal complication of tracheostomy. Treatment has traditionally been surgical, but advances in endovascular technology have led to a few recent reports of therapy with coils. We report 2 cases of TIF with massive hemorrhage that underwent successful treatment with endovascular occlusion. Endovascular repair is less invasive than open surgical repair and usually associated with a shorter recovery period. However, this technique may require multiple coils to inhibit blood flow into the fistula. This procedure should be considered one of the useful treatments for TIF.