Aaron D Friedman1, Mark E Gerber1, Mihir K Bhayani1, Kristine Kuchta2, Kanav Kumar3, Aobo Ma4, Yupeng Ren4, Li-Qun Zhang3,4. 1. 1 Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA. 2. 2 Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA. 3. 3 Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA. 4. 4 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics of laser-protected endotracheal tubes (LPETs) valued by otolaryngologists performing transoral laser surgery in the head and neck and to measure LPET stiffness. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) and American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members. LPET distal end compliance was measured in a biomechanics laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 228 out of 2109 combined ABEA and AHNS members completed the survey. The following LPET characteristics, which were properties of the Medtronic Laser-Shield II tube (MLST), were highly valued: softness and flexibility, surface smoothness, and a tight-to-shaft balloon (all P < .01). Prior to industry-driven discontinuation of the MLST, 52% of surgeons (78% of fellowship-trained laryngologists [FTLs]) reported using it; afterward, 58% reported using the stainless steel, Mallinckrodt Laser-Flex tube (MLFT). Forty-six percent of all respondents (69% of FTLs) did not consider cost being a factor in LPET choice. Biomechanical testing revealed the distal end of the MLST to be 3.45 times more compliant than the MLFT ( P < .01). CONCLUSION: Members of the ABEA and AHNS, particularly FTLs, highly value distinguishing properties of the now discontinued MLST. Manufacturers should consider this in the design of new LPETs.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics of laser-protected endotracheal tubes (LPETs) valued by otolaryngologists performing transoral laser surgery in the head and neck and to measure LPET stiffness. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) and American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members. LPET distal end compliance was measured in a biomechanics laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 228 out of 2109 combined ABEA and AHNS members completed the survey. The following LPET characteristics, which were properties of the Medtronic Laser-Shield II tube (MLST), were highly valued: softness and flexibility, surface smoothness, and a tight-to-shaft balloon (all P < .01). Prior to industry-driven discontinuation of the MLST, 52% of surgeons (78% of fellowship-trained laryngologists [FTLs]) reported using it; afterward, 58% reported using the stainless steel, Mallinckrodt Laser-Flex tube (MLFT). Forty-six percent of all respondents (69% of FTLs) did not consider cost being a factor in LPET choice. Biomechanical testing revealed the distal end of the MLST to be 3.45 times more compliant than the MLFT ( P < .01). CONCLUSION: Members of the ABEA and AHNS, particularly FTLs, highly value distinguishing properties of the now discontinued MLST. Manufacturers should consider this in the design of new LPETs.
Authors: Alexander M Choi; Michael J Brenner; Daniel Gorelik; Isaac D Erbele; Matthew G Crowson; Prajoy Kadkade; Masayoshi Takashima; Peter L Santa Maria; Robert S Hong; Austin S Rose; Benjamin T Ostrander; Cyrus C Rabbani; Robert J Morrison; Philip A Weissbrod; Alan D Tate; Joshua J Kain; Ioan A Lina; Scott R Shaffer; Omar G Ahmed Journal: OTO Open Date: 2022-09-23