Novel approaches to the patient with massive hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality when treated conservatively. Several modalities have been described in the treatment of hemoptysis with varying results. Endobronchial therapy has traditionally been performed with rigid bronchoscopy. This requires both specialized training and equipment that is not readily available in many centers. The role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is unclear in these situations but is more widely accessible. We describe three cases of the successful treatment of hemoptysis with FOB. These patients were treated with a combination of techniques described previously in the literature; however, these methods failed to result in cessation of the bleeding. Therefore, we employed alternative strategies not described in the literature, using oxidized regenerated cellulose with FOB alone as well as in conjunction with endobronchial placement of vascular embolization coils. These additional techniques may offer other options when rigid bronchoscopy or other modalities are not readily available.