Progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures in infants and children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Device Technology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Thoracoscopic procedures are increasingly used in pediatric surgery.
• Patient temperature monitoring is crucial during surgical interventions.
• Hyperthermia is a potential complication in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the incidence and characteristics of progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic patent ductus arteriosus closure in infants and children.
• To investigate the relationship between patient factors, surgical duration, and hyperthermia development.
• To identify the potential source of heat contributing to hyperthermia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of twelve pediatric patients undergoing thoracoscopic patent ductus arteriosus closure.
• Monitoring of body temperature changes during the surgical procedure.
• Correlation analysis between body weight, surgery duration, and temperature increase.
• In vitro measurement of energy output from the thoracoscope.

Main Results:

• Six out of twelve patients (50%) developed progressive hyperthermia (increase > 2°C).
• Temperature increase correlated inversely with body weight (r = -0.76, P = 0.003).
• Temperature increase correlated directly with surgery duration (r = 0.68, P = 0.01).
• The thoracoscope was found to produce constant energy output in vitro (28.5 J/min).

Conclusions:

• Thoracoscopic procedures can lead to progressive hyperthermia in pediatric patients.
• Energy release from the thoracoscope is identified as the cause of hyperthermia.
• This complication is significant, particularly in infants undergoing prolonged operations.