Late cataclysmic hemorrhage from the innominate artery after tracheostomy

We report on 12 patients sustaining late cataclysmic hemorrhage as a complication of tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation, resulting from erosion of the innominate artery. Four long-term survivors are reported. A number of surgical techniques was used and up-to-date management is briefly described. Our technique mainly consists of transecting and suturing the innominate artery without prior debridement. Innominate artery blood flow was not reestablished in all patients, thereby avoiding local wound infection and recurrence of hemorrhage. Initial temporary control of bleeding was achieved either by hyperinflation of the cuff of the tracheostomy tube, or finger compression of the innominate artery against the sternal notch. Definite surgical repair of this lesion and reestablishment of innominate artery flow is carried out through complete sternotomy in combination with right cervical extension which is considered the incision of choice by the authors. To prevent this unusual and lethal complication, tracheostomy should not be used without proper indication and technical errors of its performance, such as placing it lower than the level of third tracheal ring, must be avoided.