Evaluation of a technique of nitrogen insufflation to decrease plastic endotracheal tube cuff flammability during carbon dioxide laser surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether nitrogen insufflation reduces the laser-induced combustibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotracheal tube cuffs.


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


METHODS
A plastic catheter was fastened along the shafts of 10 PVC endotracheal tubes with self-adhesive copper foil tape down to a level just above the cuff. The modified endotracheal tubes were inserted into graduated cylinders and flushed with oxygen. The cuffs were then inflated with air, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was aimed at them. Five of the modified endotracheal tubes had 10 L/min of nitrogen insufflated via the plastic tube.


RESULTS
The laser ignited only 1 of the cuffs insufflated with nitrogen; however, all 5 of the modified endotracheal tubes that were not insufflated burned (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Nitrogen insufflation decreases CO2 laser-induced PVC endotracheal tube cuff combustibility. However, clinical applications of this technique should be undertaken with caution, as the administration of a hypoxic mixture may be possible.
Sosis
M B
MB
Department of Anesthesiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005390:Fires / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D014132:Trachea
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen