[Endobronchial hemostasis with a Fogarthy catheter]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Interventional Pulmonology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Profuse and persistent traumatic hemoptysis can be life-threatening.
• Conventional surgical interventions like thoracotomy may not always achieve hemostasis.
• Bronchoscopic interventions offer an alternative approach for managing severe airway bleeding.

Observation:

• A case of severe traumatic hemoptysis refractory to thoracotomy was presented.
• The patient required an urgent intervention to control the bleeding.
• Standard fiberoptic bronchoscopy was considered but specific adaptations were needed.

Findings:

• Hemostasis was successfully achieved using a Fogarty's embolectomy catheter introduced via bronchoscopy.
• A rigid bronchoscope was utilized instead of a flexible fiberoscope for better control.
• The Fogarty's catheter was inserted between the vocal cords, alongside the bronchoscope tube, not within it.

Implications:

• This technique provides a minimally invasive option for intractable hemoptysis.
• The described procedural modifications enhance the safety and efficacy of bronchoscopic catheterization.
• This approach may be valuable in settings where surgical control is challenging or has failed.