At present there is no way to avoid completely the risk of an airway fire when a laser is used in the airway. This guide is intended to help minimize this risk by listing a) those characteristics of a tracheal tube that make it most suitable for laser airway operations, recognizing that it may not be possible in practice to produce a device combining such characteristics; b) several standard practices that reduce the risk of airway fire during laser operations on the airway; c) recommendations for emergency management should an airway fire occur.

This guide represents current knowledge at the time of publication and is subject to review. This guide does not address management of the patient with a tracheostomy. This guide is also intended to assist related groups, such as laser safety committees.