Survival after haemorrhage from the brachiocephalic truncus following tracheostomy.

A patient with two massive haemorrhages from the brachiocephalic truncus after tracheostomy is reported. An analysis of 6 previously reported long-term survivors following this complication shows that the initial care in controlling the haemorrhage is of major importance. The operation method of choice is permanent division of the brachiocephalic truncus. Transitory or no neurological postoperative complications were found.