title: Endotracheal tube ignition during CO2 laser surgery of the larynx.
abstract: We report a case of endotracheal tube fire occurring during CO2 laser surgery of the larynx. The ignition of an endotracheal tube was thought to be caused by laser penetration of an unprotected portion of the tube during resection of vocal cord tumour. Fire hazard is inevitable when a laser is used in the path of combustible gases and in the presence of flammable objects. We discuss the methods of prevention that were used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Khanijow
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Delilkan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007830:Larynx / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male