Emergent use of a King laryngeal tube for traumatic intraoral bleeding: two case reports

• Published in: Clinical and experimental emergency medicine Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 257 - 261
• Main Authors: Kim, Han Bit, Choi, Sungwoo, Min, Seung June, Han, Sangsoo, Kang, Bora, Kim, Giwoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 01-09-2022; 대한응급의학회
• Subjects: airway management; Case Report; case reports; hemostasis; wounds and injuries; 응급의학
• ISSN: 2383-4625; 2383-4625
• DOI: 10.15441/ceem.21.159

Maxillofacial trauma occasionally presents a serious challenge for physicians, and an orofacial injury can be considered life-threatening. It is difficult to control the bleeding and prevent airway obstruction simultaneously with conventional treatment. Herein, we share two cases in which we managed massive orofacial bleeding using a King laryngeal tube, a supraglottic airway device equipped with an inflatable balloon. Both patients had uncontrolled orofacial bleeding. In one of the patients, endotracheal intubation was possible; however, bleeding continued, and vital signs became unstable. The second patient had failed endotracheal intubation due to uncontrolled bleeding. We deployed the King laryngeal tube in both patients and achieved bleeding control and airway maintenance. Both patients were discharged without complications after 3 to 4 weeks. The King laryngeal tube method can be considered a useful management option for addressing massive orofacial bleeding that is uncontrollable with conventional treatment.