Comparative analysis of the safety of endotracheal tubes with the KTP laser

The KTP laser has been used increasingly to treat various disorders of the upper aerodigestive tract. To establish the relative safety of the endotracheal tubes that are currently available, we performed laboratory testing of these tubes by exposing them to the KTP laser in an oxygen-rich environment. Based on our observations, tubes that were all metal or metal-wrapped endotracheal tubes were determined to be the safest. The advantage of using the all-metal tube was that it did not need wrapping. This tube also has a second distal cuff, which would allow for continued ventilation if the proximal cuff becomes disrupted. However, under these circumstances, insertion of a new nondisrupted tube is advised.