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Thermal properties of operative endoscopes used in otorhinolaryngology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2007

S A C MacKeith ,
S Frampton  and
D D Pothier
S A C MacKeith*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, UK
S Frampton
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
D D Pothier
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Samuel A C MacKeith, Senior House Officer in Otolaryngology, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK. Fax: 0117 928 5727 E-mail: samuelmackeith@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objectives:

To measure the thermal properties of operative endoscopes used in otorhinolaryngological practice.

Methods:

A series of endoscopes of varying diameters and angulations were attached to a light source and temperature measurements taken of their shaft and tip; a measurement was also taken 5 mm in front of the endoscope tip.

Results:

Temperature changes took place rapidly. The amount of heat produced by the endoscopes was maximal at the tip, with larger diameter endoscopes attaining a higher temperature. Temperatures on the shaft and in front of the tip reached relatively constant temperatures independent of the type of endoscope. The maximum temperature achieved was 104.6°C for the 4 mm, 0° endoscope. Cooling occurred rapidly after the light source was switched off.

Conclusion:

The heat produced by some endoscopes is sufficiently great to cause thermal injury to tissues. Awareness of the temperatures produced by these endoscopes should prompt clinicians to actively cool their endoscopes during a procedure, before any thermal injury is caused.

Keywords

OtoscopyEndoscopyMiddle EarHeatBurns
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 7 , July 2008 , pp. 711 - 714
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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