Severe bradycardia associated with suspension laryngoscopy.

ABSTRACT

Suspension laryngoscopy is one of the most common procedures performed for visualizing and diagnosing diseases of the larynx. A relatively uncommon yet potentially life-threatening complication is that of severe bradycardia or asystole during manipulation of the larynx. This case report highlights the occurrence of this complication during a routine removal of a true vocal fold lesion at a tertiary medical center and discusses the potential pathophysiological mechanisms and proposed management options for this phenomenon.