EVALUATION OF A TECHNIQUE OF NITROGEN INSUFFLATION TO DECREASE PLASTIC ENDOTRACHEAL-TUBE CUFF FLAMMABILITY DURING CARBON-DIOXIDE LASER-SURGERY

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.