Prevention of fire hazards associated with use of carbon dioxide lasers

In vitro experiments were performed to test the flammability of endotracheal tubes in the presence of CO2 laser beams Two types of tubes (Rusch and Portex) were exposed to laser beams at 15 or 30 W intensity for varying periods of time oxygen environments of 25% or 60%. Red rubber Rusch tubes were significantly (p less than 0.01) more resistant to ignition than plastic Portex tubes at both higher energy exposures and greater durations of exposure. Aluminum tape wrapping significantly (p less than 0.01) retarded ignition of both types of tubes. In view of this, a clinical protocol was developed using aluminum tape-wrapped red rubber tubes in 98 patients for 189 procedures requiring the use of a laser. In no case was ignition encountered.