Background: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is used during bronchoscopy to restore passage of central airways. Concern has been raised about the possibility that elevated oxygen concentration may increase the tissue damage by APC.
Objective: to examine the extent of tissue damage at different concentrations of oxygen in isolated pig tracheas.
Methods: The APC-induced tissue damage was investigated macroscopically and microscopically in isolated and artificially ventilated pig tracheas at oxygen concentrations of 21, 50, 75 and 100%.
Results: There was deep coagulation of all tissue layers reaching the adventitia independent of the oxygen concentration up to 75% O(2). With 100% O(2), only tissue damage increased and combustion occurred.
Conclusions: APC-induced tissue damage in ex vivo pig tracheas was independent of the oxygen concentration relevant for clinical practice.
Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.