Heat sink protection against lasering endotracheal cuffs.

The ignition of an endotracheal cuff by CO2 laser impaction has proved troublesome in several ignition sequences. Metal foil tape wrapped around the shaft of the tube will provide adequate protection for it, but the tape does not extend to the thin-walled cuff. When normal saline solution is used instead of air to fill the cuff, heat is rapidly conducted away from the wall and the cuff is prevented from reaching its kindling temperature. If penetration should occur, a fine jet of saline solution instantaneously sprays the field, extinguishing any early combustion. The reaction time of the surgeon or an assistant is not a factor in prevention of thermal injury, no new equipment is required and preparation time is minimal.