INNOMINATE-ARTERY COMPRESSION OF THE TRACHEA - DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT BY ANTERIOR SUSPENSION - A 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Suspension of the innominate artery to the sternum has been a widely a ccepted therapy for the relief of tracheal compression. Recently, reim plantation of the innominate artery has been advocated as a superior o perative procedure. While generally successful, arterial transfer carr ies the risk of early bleeding and stroke, and the potential for late stenosis at the anastomotic site. Between 1969 and 1994, 25 infants an d children at our institution received diagnoses of innominate artery compression and were treated by anterior suspension. AU presented with strider and one third had a history of suspected or proven apnea. Twe nty-four children had excellent results, while 1 required resuspension after strider returned. There were no major complications. Our series strongly supports the belief that anterior suspension of the innomina te artery is a successful and reliable operation with minimal morbidit y and mortality. More complex procedures are rarely indicated.