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Case Reports
. 2018 Apr 18:2018:bcr2017221802.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221802.

High-riding brachiocephalic (innominate) artery during surgical tracheostomy

Hatem Ahmad Dalati  1 , Muhammad Sami Jabbr  1 , Jamal Kassouma  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

High-riding brachiocephalic (innominate) artery during surgical tracheostomy

Hatem Ahmad Dalati et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Two cases of a high-riding innominate artery, which were found during routine surgical tracheostomy. A cartilage flap was applied to cover the significant vessel to prevent the life-threatening complications. These two cases were followed up for 2 months without any adverse events. We discussed the related vascular anatomy, imaging studies and brief literature review.

Keywords: ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology; emergency medicine; head and neck surgery; intensive care; otolaryngology / ent.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Case 1. Axial chest CT scan with contrast showing the brachiocephalic trunk just in front of the trachea. B, brachiocephalic trunk; C, Lt common carotid artery; SC, Lt subclavian artery; T, trachea.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case 1. During the surgery, the brachiocephalic trunk was encountered in front of the trachea and completely cover the tracheostomy level between second and third tracheal rings. B, brachiocephalic trunk; T, trachea.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case 2. Sagittal chest CT scan with contrast showing the brachiocephalic trunk just in front of the trachea and reached to the first three tracheal rings. AA, aortic arch; B, brachiocephalic trunk; T, trachea.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Case 2. After tracheostomy. Yellow star indicates the cartilage flap which was taken from the anterior wall of the trachea then stitched with the skin on the right side. ET, endotracheal tube.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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