A hospitalized patient with cystic fibrosis has developed massive hemoptysis. What is the utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in this situation?

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Bronchoscopy can be useful for therapeutic purposes: it can facilitate removal of blood clots and placement of single-lumen or double-lumen endotracheal tubes and balloon catheters to tamponade (i.e., to exert direct pressure on) a bleeding site in the airway. In situations with massive hemoptysis or brisk bleeding, however, the flexible bronchoscope is usually inadequate because of its limited visualization and suction capabilities compared with the rigid bronchoscope.

A Hospitalized Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Has Developed Massive Hemoptysis