Which is the safest endotracheal tube for use with the CO2 laser? A comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of special endotracheal tubes manufactured for carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery with foil-wrapped and plain red rubber (RR) endotracheal tubes.


METHODS
Research laboratory of a metropolitan, university-affiliated medical center.


METHODS
Six types of endotracheal tubes were studied. Each had 5 L/min of oxygen passing through it and was exposed to 69 watts of continuous CO2 laser radiation for 1 minute or until combustion occurred.


RESULTS
The plain RR endotracheal tube burned within 15 seconds of laser impact. Aluminum foil-wrapped and copper foil-wrapped RR endotracheal tubes were not affected by the CO2 laser. The shaft of a specially manufactured stainless steel endotracheal tube was not affected by 1 minute of CO2 laser exposure. The shafts of two special endotracheal tubes made of silicone and metal burned vigorously under laser fire.


CONCLUSIONS
Copper foil-wrapped RR tubes, aluminum foil-wrapped RR tubes, or stainless steel tubes are recommended for laser airway surgery.
Sosis
M B
MB
Department of Anesthesiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612.
D000535:Aluminum; D003300:Copper; D005390:Fires; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D012408:Rubber; D012449:Safety; D012828:Silicones; D013193:Stainless Steel
D012828:Silicones; D013193:Stainless Steel; D003300:Copper; D012408:Rubber; D000535:Aluminum