Temporary transection of innominate vein in surgery of midtracheal tumor.

In this case, a patient presented with a large primary midtracheal tumor posterior to the innominate vein and brachiocephalic artery. The left innominate vein (LIV) was temporarily transected to attain proper access to the tumor. After complete removal of the tumor, the vessel was reanastomosed. The operation was uneventful, and the patient recovered well. Temporary transection of the LIV appears to be a reasonable alternative to surgical resection in such a large cross-border midtracheal tumor.