Acute management of laser-ignited intratracheal explosion

The laser-ignited airway explosion is a shocking emergency. Techniques available for prevention of an airway fire minimize the risk, but they are not applicable in all circumstances. The severity of the patient's injury depends on the duration and intensity of the burn. Prompt, appropriate management is facilitated if the operating team has previously discussed and "rehearsed" this potential disaster. The distal airway burn produced by an ignited endotracheal tube differs from an inhalation burn in character and severity. The anatomic and respiratory effects occurring subsequent to the laser-induced burn are examined. Emergency care requires immediate elimination of the fire, removal of the tube and any foreign body or debris, and usually a tracheostomy. A program of medical and endoscopic management is suggested.