BS ISO TR 11991:1995

1 Scope
2 References
3 Terminology
4 Ideal properties of tracheal tubes for use with lasers
4.1 Materials
4.2 Design
4.3 Packaging and labelling
5 Description of current practices which reduce the
     risk of airway fire
5.1 Non-intubation techniques
5.2 Intubation techniques
5.3 Management of airway fires
Tables
1 Combustion properties of conventional tracheal
     tube materials
2 Primary emergency management following recognition of
     airway fire
3 Secondary emergency management following recognition
     of an airway fire
Annex
A Bibliography

Helps minimize risk of airway fire during laser surgery of upper airway, including emergency practices should such a fire occur.

At present there is no way to avoid completely the risk of an airway fire when a laser is used in the airway. This guide is intended to help minimize this risk by listing a) those characteristics of a tracheal tube that make it most suitable for laser airway operations, recognizing that it may not be possible in practice to produce a device combining such characteristics; b) several standard practices that reduce the risk of airway fire during laser operations on the airway; c) recommendations for emergency management should an airway fire occur.

This guide represents current knowledge at the time of publication and is subject to review. This guide does not address management of the patient with a tracheostomy. This guide is also intended to assist related groups, such as laser safety committees.