Q: How much ice cooled saline should kept available at bedside while performing bronchoscopy to control massive hemoptysis?


Answer: About one litre

If it is decided to use ice cooled saline lavage while trying to control massive hemoptysis - it is advisable to keep about twenty 50 mL syringes ready, as it may take anywhere from 300cc to 1000cc of ice cooled saline to see desirable effect via vasoconstriction.



 References: 

1.  Conlan AA, Hurwitz SS, Krige L, et al. Massive hemoptysis. Review of 123 cases. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1983; 85:120. 

2. Cahill BC, Ingbar DH. Massive hemoptysis. Assessment and management. Clin Chest Med 1994; 15:147.