Post-Tracheostomy Vascular Injury to the Anomalous Thymic Branch Managed by Endovascular Coiling

Abstract

Background Tracheostomy-related arterial haemorrhage can be devastating especially if arising from an obscure anomalous vessel which can potentially complicate treatment decision. Methods We report a case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with upper airway obstruction, who had profuse bleeding, post-tracheostomy, from the stomal site. CT angiography showed presence of a pseudoaneurysm adjacent to the tracheostomy site which was confirmed on catheter angiography to be arising from anomalous thymic branch of right common carotid artery (CCA). Superselective cannulation of the anomalous thymic artery was done using a microcatheter with subsequent coil embolization. Results Post-coiling, the bleeding stopped immediately and the patient recovered. He was under oncology care till 3 months following embolization and was doing well. Conclusions The emergency physicians should be aware of this rare variation of thymic artery while performing tracheostomy. Ultrasound as point-of-care device may help mitigate these complications. Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive and effective management option for an injured arterial branch from a tracheostomy.