Nonflammable endotracheal device for CO2 laser ablation of benign laryngeal and proximal tracheal tumors

Abstract

A Holinger aspirating tube may be utilized as a nonflammable endotracheal device during CO2 laser ablation of benign laryngeal and proximal tracheal tumors. Adequate jet ventilation may be performed through this small diameter (3.0 mm), metallic device while providing an unobstructed view of the surgical lesion. This technique was well-accepted by surgeons during the clinical trials. Because the 3.0 mm outside diameter was significantly smaller than the smallest flexible, uncuffed metal endotracheal tube currently available (6.9 mm), the rigid structure facilitated atraumatic insertion past the surgical lesion. Both the use of this device and the required anesthetic technique are described in three CO2 laser ablative procedures. The authors consider that this device increases safety during this potentially hazardous procedure by eliminating the flammable polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube and cottonoid packings most frequently used during this procedure.