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Artifact from an electrosurgical ground pad
C H Revercomb1, C E Stewart, R C Bux
1Bexar County Forensic Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
Artifacts from medical intervention are frequently present in medicolegal autopsies and must be distinguished from injuries of forensic interest, particularly in deaths from trauma. In this case, burns resulting from incomplete skin contact of an electrosurgical ground pad during surgery for multiple gunshot wounds were initially confused with abrasions caused by impact of bullet fragments. Inspection of the decedent's clothing and of the medical records revealed the true etiology of this injury.
Insights
Medical artifacts can be mistaken for forensic injuries. In this case, surgical burns from an electrosurgical pad were initially misidentified as bullet fragment abrasions in a trauma death. Careful examination clarified the cause.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Medical interventions can create artifacts that complicate medicolegal death investigations.
- Distinguishing iatrogenic artifacts from traumatic injuries is crucial in forensic pathology, especially in trauma cases.
Observation:
- An autopsy case presented with skin lesions initially suspected to be related to bullet fragment impact.
- These lesions were located on the body of an individual who had undergone surgery for multiple gunshot wounds.
Findings:
- The lesions were identified as thermal burns resulting from incomplete contact with an electrosurgical ground pad during the surgical procedure.
- Thorough examination of clothing and medical records confirmed the iatrogenic origin of the burns.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of meticulous examination of medical records and clothing in medicolegal autopsies.
- Underscores the need for awareness of potential surgical artifacts that can mimic traumatic injuries.
- Emphasizes the critical role of distinguishing between medical intervention artifacts and actual injuries for accurate cause of death determination.