Fortunately, tracheo-arterial fistula after trach is a rare complication but can occur from erosion into the brachiocephalic trunk, especially with placement of a low lying trach below the third tracheal ring.
Pressure necrosis from a trach tube can erode into the brachiocephalic artery which runs anterior to the trachea. |
Sources
Praveen, CV. "A rare case of fatal haemorrhage after tracheostomy" Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2007.
Image source: http://www.hawaii.edu/medicine/pediatrics/pemxray/v6c19.html