Fluoroscopy-Guided Placement of Endobronchial Blockers: A Case Series

Abstract

ABSTRACT Three cases from a single institution are presented demonstrating a novel technique of endobronchial blocker insertion under fluoroscopic guidance in patients with massive hemoptysis. This article discusses advantages and limitations compared with bronchoscopic and blind insertion techniques. In all three cases, fluoroscopic guidance demonstrated successful insertion with technically appropriate positioning, allowing for hemodynamic stabilization and more definitive interventional treatment. In one case, endobronchial blocker tamponade, itself, was definitive treatment, without recurrence of hemoptysis during the patient's hospital course. All patients had resolution of their hemoptysis and were eventually discharged from the hospital. Fluoroscopy-guided endobronchial blocker insertion was demonstrated to be both technically feasible and effective in these cases of massive hemoptysis. Moving forward, this can be a valuable tool when emergent endobronchial control of hemoptysis is required in certain instances.