Thermal variation in human temporal bone using rigid endoscope.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Endoscopic ear surgery utilizes rigid endoscopes and various light sources.
• Understanding thermal variations is crucial for patient safety during otologic procedures.
• The External Acoustic Canal (EAC) and Round Window (RW) are sensitive areas during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare thermal variations in the EAC and RW using different rigid endoscopes and light sources.
• To assess the impact of endoscope size, angle, and light intensity on temperature changes.

Main Methods:

• Analytical experimental study using human temporal bones.
• Thermal variation was measured in the EAC and RW over ten minutes.
• Evaluated three rigid endoscopes (4-mm and 3-mm, 0° and 30°) and five light sources (Halogen, LED, Xenon at 50% and 100% intensity).

Main Results:

• All tested endoscopes and light sources caused temperature elevations in the EAC and RW.
• Larger caliber (4-mm) endoscopes and 100% intensity light sources (Xenon, Halogen) produced higher temperatures.
• The EAC exhibited greater temperature variations than the RW, with the highest increase (4.51°C) observed using a 4-mm, 30° endoscope with 100% Xenon light.

Conclusions:

• Endoscope type and light source significantly influence thermal variation during endoscopic ear procedures.
• Larger endoscopes and high-intensity Xenon/Halogen light sources pose a greater risk of thermal injury.
• Careful selection of equipment and settings is necessary to minimize tissue damage.