High-frequency jet ventilation: An invaluable tool for anesthesia in microlaryngoscopy with carbon dioxide laser

Abstract

Airway management in laryngeal surgeries is a challenge for an anesthesiologist due to sharing of airway with a surgeon. The airway is often compromised with potential for perioperative worsening. Use of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser further narrows the choice of airway device as conventional endotracheal tubes are combustible by CO2 laser. High-frequency jet ventilator is an invaluable tool in anesthetic armamentarium. Apart from laser safety, it offers a nearly tubeless field for the surgeon to excise airway lesions. Careful patient selection, total intravenous anesthesia, and judicious use of anesthetic and vasoactive agents to minimize pressor response are the factors contributing to successful outcome.