Emergency management of aorto-bronchial fistula after implantation of a self-expanding bronchial stent

We report a case of aorto-bronchial fistula 7 years after implantation of a self-expanding metal stent into the left main bronchus. The clinical presentation was characterised by left-sided chest pain, dyspnea and a single bout of haemoptysis. The fistula was surgically managed by aortic resection and primary repair of the aorta, and patch repair of the left main bronchus over a Polyflex covered bronchial stent. When haemoptysis occurs in a patient with a history of bronchial stent implantation, the presence of an aorto-bronchial fistula should be considered. Early diagnosis offers the only possibility of recovery through a lifesaving surgical procedure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.