Innominate artery compression of the Trachea.

We review innominate artery compression of the trachea in 60 surgically corrected patients and 30 in patients who did not undergo surgery. The symptoms and radiologic features are correlated with the degree of tracheal narrowing at bronchoscopy and with associated defects that may exist. From this study, a history of respiratory distress with "reflex apnea" associated with tracheal narrowing is a strong indication for surgery. Stridor and recurrent respiratory infections are not an indication in themselves, and must be assessed with the severity of tracheal narrowing and presence or absence of associated defects. Surgery resulted in complete or moderate relief in most patients, although the results were less gratifying when subglottic stenosis or a repaired tracheoesophageal fistula existed.