QUAD # 17 Innominate Artery Compression and Management Through The Neck with Dr. Doug von Allmen

Stay Current in Pediatric Surgery

In this video, Dr. Doug von Allmen from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shares insights into managing innominate artery compression using a transcervical approach. Originally described in the 1940s, this condition is seen in about 30% of children under 2 years old and can lead to tracheomalacia and obstructive symptoms. Dr. von Allmen reviews the procedure, patient selection, and outcomes from his team’s experience with this approach.

Key Highlights:

• Innominate Artery Compression: Causes tracheal compression leading to breathing difficulties, especially in syndromic patients.
• Procedure Overview: A transcervical approach to innominate artery pexy, which includes removing the thymus and lifting the artery to relieve tracheal compression.
• Patient Case: A 6-month-old with a history of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula underwent the surgery with successful outcomes.
• Postoperative Results: Improvements in the tracheal lumen, weaning off oxygen, and even decannulation for some patients.

This procedure offers a good alternative in appropriately selected patients, and the team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has shown positive results with this approach.