13103-EN Rev K
Introduction 3
ENT Warnings:
• Excessive treatment may cause swelling (edema) in the area treated by the laser.
Anesthesia Considerations:
One of the main concerns during otolaryngeal and bronchial procedures is the substantial
risk of endotracheal fires. The following sections provide information and safety guidelines,
which can greatly decrease the risks associated with these procedures. Information is also
provided on what to do if such a fire does occur.
IRIDEX Corp. recommends the safety guidelines of American National Standards
ANSI Z136.3-2007 as follows:
• Care must be taken to protect endotracheal tubes from laser radiation. Ignition or
perforation of endotracheal tubes by the laser beam could result in serious or fatal
patient complications.
• Use the lowest possible oxygen concentration to support the patient;
• Use the venturi ventilation technique when possible;
• Use intravenous anesthetic agents rather than inhalation techniques;
• Use non-flammable laser-safe endotracheal tubes; and
• Protect the endotracheal tube cuff with wet cottonoids.
Care must be taken to protect endotracheal tubes from laser radiation. Ignition or perforation
of endotracheal tubes by the laser beam could result in serious or fatal patient complications.
References
Reference material and additional information regarding laser safety and the prevention of
endotracheal fires may be obtained from the following U.S. sources:
•
ANSI Z136.3, The Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities, American National
Standards 2007.
•
Recommended Practices: Laser Safety in the Practice Setting,
AORN Journal
, March
1993, Vol. 57 No. 3, Pg. 720-727.
•
Safety Considerations for the Use of Medical Lasers, The Nursing Spectrum of
Lasers, Pfister, Kneedler, Purcell,
Education Design
, 1988, Pg. 70-72.
•
Prevention of Fires and Protection of Non-Target Tissues, Airway Precautions,
Plan for Success: A Practical Guide for Your Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery Program
, Lewis,
Coherent 1989, Pg. 16-17.
•
Laser Resistant Stainless Steel Endotracheal Tube: Experimental and Clinical
Evaluation,
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
, Fried, Marvin P., MD, 11:301-306 (1991).
•
Evaluation & Discussion: Issues in Using and Selecting Laser Resistant
Endotracheal Tubes (LRETTs) and Wraps,
ECRI, Health Devices,
July-August 1991,
Vol. 20 Nos. 7-8.
•
Diffuse Reflections, Endoscopic Surgery: Is Laser Safety Eyewear Really Needed?,
Radiant Resources Newsletter
, Winter 1992, Rockwell Laser Industries.
