A VENTILATOR FOR CARBON DIOXIDE LASER BRONCHOSCOPY

A jet ventilator is described. It is designed for use in patients undergoing carbon dioxide laser vaporization of intraluminaltumours, and obstructions in the trachea and main bronchi. The ventilator overcomes two major anaesthetic problems during laser vaporization in the tracheobronchial tree. It ensures adequate alveolar ventilation and it evacuates smoke generated by the laser. The device has two modes of operation, an automatic ventilation mode and a second mode in which ventilation and suction can be alternated—laser ventilation mode.