Evaluation of Ignition and Burn Risk Associated with Contemporary Fiberoptic and Distal Sensor Endoscopic Technology

Kyle Spradling, Brittany Uribe, Zhamshid Okhunov, Martin Hofmann, Michael Del Junco, Christina Hwang, Caden Gruber, Ramy F. Youssef, Jaime Landman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the ignition and burn risk associated with contemporary fiberoptic and distal sensor endoscopic technologies. Materials and Methods: We used new and used SCB Xenon 300 light sources to illuminate a 4.8 mm fiberoptic cable, 10 mm laparoscope, 5 mm laparoscope, rigid cystoscope, semirigid ureteroscope, flexible cystoscope, flexible fiberoptic ureteroscope, distal sensor cystoscope, and a distal sensor ureteroscope (Karl Storz, Inc., Tuttlingen, Germany). We measured peak temperatures at the distal end of each device. We then evaluated each device on a flat and folded surgical drape to establish ignition risk. Finally, we evaluated the effects of all devices on human cadaver skin covered by surgical drape. Results: Peak temperatures recorded for each device ranged from 26.9°C (flexible fiberoptic ureteroscope) to 194.5°C (fiberoptic cable). Drape ignition was noted when the fiberoptic cable was placed against a fold of drape. Contact with the fiberoptic cable, 10 mm laparoscope, 5 mm laparoscope, and distal sensor cystoscope resulted in cadaver skin damage. Cadaver skin damage occurred despite little or no visible change to the surgical drape. Rigid and flexible fiberoptic cystoscopes and flexible fiberoptic ureteroscopes had no effect on surgical drapes or cadaver skin. Conclusions: Fiberoptic light cables and some endoscopic devices have the potential to cause thermal injury and drape ignition. Thermal injury may occur without visible damage to drapes. Surgeons should remain vigilant regarding the risks associated with these devices and take necessary safety precautions to prevent patient injury.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1076-1082
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Endourology
Volume29
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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