Is Computerized Tomography Angiographic Surveillance Valuable for Prevention of Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula, a Life-Threatening Complication after Tracheostomy?

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of volume-rendered helical computerized tomography (CT) angiography focusing tracheostomy tube and innominate artery for prevention of tracheoinnominate artery fistula. Methods : The authors retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with tracheostomy who had checked CT angiography. To evaluate the relationship between tracheostomy tube and innominate artery, we divided into three categories. First proximal tube position based on cervical vertebra, named "tracheostomy tube departure level (TTDL)". Second, distal tube position and course of innominate artery, named "tracheostomy tube-innominate artery configuration (TTIC)". Third, the gap between the tube and innominate artery, named "tracheostomy tube to innominate artery gap (TTIG)". The TTDL/TTIC and TTIG are based on 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction around tracheostomy and enhanced axial slices of upper chest, respectively. Results : First, mean TTDL was $6.8{\pm}0.6$. Five cases (23%) were lower than C7 vertebra. Second, TTIC were remote to innominate artery (2 cases; 9.1 %), matched with it (14 cases; 63.6%) or crossed it (6 cases; 27.3%). Only 9% of cases were definitely free from innominate artery injury. Third, average TTIG was $4.3{\pm}4.6$ mm. Surprisingly, in 6 cases (27.3%), innominate artery, trachea wall and tracheostomy tube were tightly attached all together, thus have much higher probability of erosion. Conclusion : If low TTDL, match or crossing type TTIC with reverse-L shaped innominate artery, small trachea and thin TTIG are accompanied all together, we may seriously consider early plugging and tube removal.