Abstract
Study Objective: To compare the efficacy of special endotracheal tubes manufactured for carbon dioxide (CO 2) laser surgery with foil-wrapped and plain red rubber (RR) endotracheal tubes. Setting: Research laboratory of a metropolitan, university-affiliated medical center. Design and Interventions: 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 CO 2 laser radiation for 1 minute or until combustion occurred. Measurements and Main 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 C02 laser. The shaft of a specially manufactured stainless steel endotracheal tube was not affected by 1 minute of CO 2 laser exposure. The shafts of two special endotracheal tubes made of silicone and metal burned vigorously under laser fire. Conclusion: Copper foil-wrapped RR tubes, aluminum foil-wrapped RR tubes, or stainless steel tubes are recommended for laser airway surgery.
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