UCSF

INTRODUCTION: Tracheoinnominate fistula, a rare complication of tracheostomy, carries high mortality regardless of treatment; therefore prevention and quick diagnosis is pertinent to survival. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man who underwent emergent tracheostomy placement presented on postoperative day 10 with massive hemorrhage concerning for tracheoinnominate fistula and was treated with median sternotomy and ligation of the innominate artery. DISCUSSION: This presentation describes a concise diagnosis and treatment plan for a rare event. The key to good outcomes is quick diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention.