Influence of oxygen concentration on argon plasma coagulation-induced tissue damage in isolated pig tracheas.
BACKGROUND
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is used during bronchoscopy to restore passage of central airways. Concern has been raised about the possibility that elevated oxygen concentration may increase the tissue damage by APC.


OBJECTIVE
to examine the extent of tissue damage at different concentrations of oxygen in isolated pig tracheas.


METHODS
The APC-induced tissue damage was investigated macroscopically and microscopically in isolated and artificially ventilated pig tracheas at oxygen concentrations of 21, 50, 75 and 100%.


RESULTS
There was deep coagulation of all tissue layers reaching the adventitia independent of the oxygen concentration up to 75% O(2). With 100% O(2), only tissue damage increased and combustion occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
APC-induced tissue damage in ex vivo pig tracheas was independent of the oxygen concentration relevant for clinical practice.
Schreiber
J
J
Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Pulmonology, Municipal Hospital, Dessau, Germany.
Hofman
B
B
Schumann
H J
HJ
Rosahl
W
W
D000818:Animals; D001128:Argon; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D010100:Oxygen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects; D013552:Swine; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
D001128:Argon; D010100:Oxygen