The researchers did this study to understand the effect of different nasal endoscopes, light sources, and light cords on the LP/OA temperature. They measured the temperature at the LP/OA at multiple time intervals over half an hour and after turning off the light source and irrigating the LP/OA with 10 mL of saline.
The peak temperature was 67.37°C at the LP/OA at half an hour, using a new light cord, older endoscope, and 184-hour xenon light bulb. In every trial, the temperature of the LP/OA continually increased until half an hour, when the light source was turned off. Statistical analysis revealed significant temperature differences in trials using the older xenon light sources. The LED light source was significantly more relaxed with an older light cord regardless of the scope’s age.
The study concluded that endoscope temperatures during sinus surgery might reach potentially dangerous levels at the LP/OA region. These temperatures may be sufficient to cause second-degree burns during normal usage. Factors associated with higher endoscope temperatures include longer times with the light source on and xenon light bulbs.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892419892182
