Novel use of a suction-irrigation device to remove impacted blood clot from the airway.

Objectives: We sought to describe the novel use of a suction-irrigation device to remove a large blood clot that was causing critical obstruction of the trachea and main stem bronchi in our patient.

Methods: A large-bore suction-irrigation device designed for use in gynecologic cases was adapted for use in removal of an obstructing blood clot in the face of patient decompensation after several unsuccessful attempts at removal with standard otolaryngological instruments.

Results: The tracheal obstruction and the significant bronchial obstructions were successfully removed with the suction-irrigation device.

Original report of bilateral carotid body tumors with 2 rare concomitant anatomic findings, an ectopic parathyroid gland and cervical thymus, with literature review.

Background: Carotid body tumors are uncommon neoplasms with unique epidemiology and management demands. Cervical embryology is complex. Developmental abnormalities can result in ectopic displacement of native tissues.

Recurrent bilateral dacryocystoceles in Wegener's granulomatosis: a rhinologic perspective.

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare, idiopathic, systemic vasculitis of small vessels that manifests in multiple organ systems. Otorhinolaryngic manifestations of this disease include recurrent sinusitis and relapsing polychondritis. Periocular involvement is also a well-documented location of Wegener's disease.