Massive endobronchial hemorrhage during cardiopulmonary bypass: treatable complication of balloon-tipped catheter damage to the pulmonary artery.

Massive endobronchial hemorrhage due to balloon-tipped catheter rupture of a branch of the pulmonary artery in a fully heparinized patient undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass is potentially lethal. Death occurs due to asphyxiation. Endobronchial intubation (double-lumen endotracheal tube) appears to be a simple and effective method for control of the airway and tamponade of the bleeding site, which allows for completion of the surgical procedure until protamine sulphate reversal can be achieved.