Blowtorch Airway Fire

Abstract

Airway fires are one of the most feared complications of any anesthesiologist. Their management requires rapid action that must be reflexive in order to prevent catastrophic damage to airway structures and lifelong ventilator dependence. The case described in this chapter is that of a 64-year-old male undergoing a left vocal cord ablation with a CO2 laser who is left unable to breathe, eat, or speak on his own after an airway fire ensues. This chapter outlines risk factors for the development of an airway fire as well as ways to prevent it including a summary of two of the most widely used laser-resistant endotracheal tubes available. Finally, this chapter aims to educate the anesthesiologist on the corrective steps to take if in the unfortunate event of an airway fire.