Effects of a KTP Laser on Commonly Used Endotracheal Tubes in Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Objectives:

The effects of modern KTP lasers on endotracheal tubes (ETTs) have not been formally examined. In this study we investigated the interaction of the Aura XP 532 nm KTP and commonly used ETTs.

Methods:

An Aura XP 532 nm KTP laser with a 600 nm fiber was used in pulsed and continuous modes. The laser beam was focused at a distance of 0.5 cm from the shaft and balloon of three laser safe ETTs and a standard polyvinylcholoride (PVC) ETT. Time to penetrate through the ETT and cuff was recorded in seconds (s).

Results:

The KTP laser did not penetrate any of the laser resistant ETTs or standard PVC ETTs within 90s of contact in either mode. The beam did react with the black markings on the PVC ETT by producing smoke. The KTP laser was nonreactive with all cuffs except in one of three trials with the outer balloon cuff of a Rusch Lasertubus ETT in continuous mode.

Conclusions:

This is the first report documenting the effects of a KTP laser on ETTs. The bodies of all ETTs were found to be resistant to the KTP laser, while only the black markings on the shaft of a PVC ETT reacted with the laser beam. This study demonstrates that there are a number of options that may be used safely during transoral laser microsurgery with a KTP laser.