Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
Protection of high-riding aberrant innominate artery during open tracheotomy
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rambam Health Care Campus, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Purpose:
Variations of the normal anatomy of the aortic great vessels can lead to severe complications if not recognised pre- or peri-operatively. One such anomaly is a high-riding aberrant innominate artery.
Study Design:
Retrospective review of case series.
Materials And Methods:
We present our experience with seven patients in whom a high aberrant innominate artery was encountered just before or during open tracheotomy. We describe a procedure designed to protect the artery from erosion due to the tracheotomy tube, using an inferiorly based, U-shaped flap from the anterior tracheal wall averted over the innominate artery.
Results:
None of the patients had any bleeding from the tracheotomy site, during a follow-up period of nine to 46 months.
Conclusion:
The technique described is simple to perform and prevents any damage to a high aberrant innominate artery, as assessed over a long follow-up period.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...

