Biopsy and interventional therapy of subglottic lesions with flexible bronchoscope under protection of endotracheal intubation.

Abstract

Subglottic lesions represent a complex and challenging clinical entity, often associated with high procedural risks due to their anatomical location and vascularity. While a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is commonly employed for airway management in such cases, it has notable limitations, particularly in scenarios involving significant bleeding or the need for extended intervention. This article presents an alternative and effective approach for the biopsy and interventional treatment of subglottic lesions using a flexible bronchoscope under the protection of an endotracheal tube (ETT). By inserting the bronchoscope through the space between the ETT and the tracheal wall, various procedures-including biopsy, argon plasma coagulation (APC), and CO₂ cryotherapy-can be performed with relative safety. This method provides a feasible option for airway protection, bleeding control, and lesion management, offering new possibilities in clinical practice.