Repair of a Bronchovascular Fistula Four Years After Right Carinal Pneumonectomy

Bronchovascular fistula is a rare but serious complication that usually presents with massive hemoptysis and is associated with a high risk of mortality. Factors leading to the development of the fistula include altered bronchial anastomotic healing, presence of granulation tissue, devascularization of the bronchial tree, ischemia of the airway, and poor anastomotic technique. Bronchovascular fistulae usually occur in the early postoperative period and are reported in 1% to 3% of the patients undergoing a bronchoplastic procedure. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with massive hemoptysis secondary to a bronchovascular fistula 4 years after right carinal pneumonectomy. (C) 2013 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons