Thermal injury caused by chandelier fiber probe.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate thermal changes produced by a chandelier fiber probe (CFP).


METHODS
Interventional single case report and laboratory investigation.


METHODS
When CFP was used for 25-gauge vitrectomy, an abnormal odor was emitted, and the CFP was instantly removed. To investigate this incident, the thermal change produced by the CFP was measured in air by means of an infrared sensor. Porcine Tenon capsular tissue was used to reproduce the intraoperative phenomenon.


RESULTS
In our patient, the CFP tip melted, but this did not affect visual function. In the experiment, the uncoated CFP reached 49 C (120 F) at maximum illumination. When porcine Tenon capsular tissue was attached to the CFP tip, a temperature of 144 C (291 F) was reached at 50% of maximum illumination, and over 201 C (394 F) at 75%. The tip melted under these conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
At present, we avoid the use of CFP during air exchange. This potential hazard of the CFP needs to be addressed.
Shimada
Hiroyuki
H
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Surugadai Hospital of Nihon University, 1-8-13 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 101-8309, Japan. sshimada@olive.ocn.ne.jp
Nakashizuka
Hiroyuki
H
Hattori
Takayuki
T
Mori
Ryusaburo
R
Mizutani
Yoshihiro
Y
D001831:Body Temperature; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*