Torre M, Amari B, Barbieri B, Merli M, Belloni P
Division of Thoracic Surgery, Center A. De Gasperis, Niguarda Hospital, Milano, Italy.
Am J Emerg Med. 1989 May;7(3):294-6. doi: 10.1016/0735-6757(89)90173-3.
Two patients with malignant airway obstruction and acute respiratory insufficiency were given emergency treatment with yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser tissue vaporization under local anesthesia only. A mixture of oxygen and helium was administered to reduce the respiratory distress. This case emphasizes the rapidity and effectiveness of YAG laser treatment via fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia in the management of acute malignant airway obstructions.