Potential fire hazard of the neuroendoscope fiberoptic cable: A note of caution

Abstract

[2] Another extremely rare complication includes the potential of disconnected fiberoptic cables (FOCs) from the xenon light source of the neuroendoscope to produce fire when used around surgical drapes and subsequent burn injuries, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported until date. [7] This vulnerability of FOC light sources assumes immense importance during neurosurgical procedures, as once the positioning and extensive draping is completed, the patient may not always be accessible for repeated examinations. [...]serious burn injuries to the patient lying underneath or the spread of fire due to proximity of the surgical field to sources of high oxygen concentration [8] might ensue, unnoticed by the doctors involved in the surgery.