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We have assessed, in vitro, the effect of KTP laser strike on the reinforced laryngeal mask airway (RLMA) under a variety of conditions. At power densities normally encountered in clinical practice, using a divergent KTP laser beam, the RLMA could not be penetrated and did not ignite with laser strike. The RLMA was penetrated at a high power density of 6.94 W mm-2 after 45-60 s. A flame appeared over the RLMA shaft at this power density after 12-35 s. The black marker line on the RLMA shaft was somewhat more vulnerable to the effects of laser strike. The flow of oxygen and nitrous oxide within the shaft did not appreciably alter the laser-resistant properties of the RLMA. The RLMA cuff was more vulnerable to laser strike than was the shaft and was penetrated at very low power densities. Filling the cuff with saline had a protective effect and penetration did not occur at power densities which caused penetration of air-filled cuffs (0.37 W mm-2).

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Anaesth

Publication Date

05/1997

Volume

78

Pages

594 - 600

Keywords

Air, Equipment Design, Equipment Safety, Fires, Humans, Laryngeal Masks, Laser Therapy, Nitrous Oxide, Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Oxygen, Sodium Chloride