Mb. Sosis, EVALUATION OF A TECHNIQUE OF NITROGEN INSUFFLATION TO DECREASE PLASTIC ENDOTRACHEAL-TUBE CUFF FLAMMABILITY DURING CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER-SURGERY, Journal of clinical anesthesia, 5(6), 1993, pp. 468-470
Study Objective: To determine whether nitrogen insufflation reduces th
e laser-induced combustibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotrachea
l tube cuffs. Setting: Research laboratory of a metropolitan, universi
ty-affiliated medical center. Design and Interventions: A plastic cath
eter was fastened along the shafts of ro PVC endotracheal tubes with s
elf-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 car
bon dioxide (CO2) laser was aimed at them. Five of the modified endotr
acheal tubes had 10 L/min of nitrogen insufflated via the plastic tube
. Measurements and Main Results: The laser ignited only I of the cuffs
insufflated with nitrogen; however, all 15 of the modified endotrache
al tubes that were not insufflated burned (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nitr
ogen insufflation decreases COB laser-induced PVC endotracheal tube cu
ff combustibility. However, clinical applications of this technique sh
ould be undertaken with caution, as the administration of a hypoxic mi
xture may be possible.