Plastic endobronchial tubes in the management of life-threatening hemoptysis.

Plastic double-lumen endobronchial tube was used to maintain the airway in a patient with massive hemoptysis and nonresectable lung cancer. This tube is superior to the previously used Carlens tube, as it can be inserted in emergency situations and does not require surgical setting. In addition, the larger internal diameter of these tubes allows better airway clearance and passage of a flexible bronchoscope. The double-lumen tube may be considered as an alternative to selective main-stem intubation.