Indirect Ignition of the Endotracheal Tube During Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery

Carol A. Hirshman, James Smith, M. Stuart Strong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report here a case of an endotracheal tube fire occurring during carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery in the path of gases that support combustion. The tube was thought to be ignited by flaming tissue in close proximity to the tip and not directly by the laser. Tubes 1 cm away from an object repeatedly hit by the laser can easily be ignited indirectly. Aluminum-tape wrapping does not prevent this complication. We recommend caution when using the CO2 laser in the path of combustible gases in the presence of flammable objects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)639-641
Number of pages3
JournalArchives of Otolaryngology
Volume106
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1980

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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