Trends in Pediatric Electronic Device-Related Burns: An Investigation of 21,962 Cases.

INTRODUCTION: The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was passed in 2008 to establish safety standards and improve the quality of children's products. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to a "stay-at-home" quarantine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate trends of pediatric burns and analyze the relationship with the CPSIA and COVID-19. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was used to identify thermal and electric pediatric burns from 2002 to 2021. To evaluate the association of the CPSIA and COVID-19, burns before and after the law was passed, and the pandemic, were analyzed. Sex, ethnicity, age, injured body part, product, and disposition were determined. Chi-squared analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 21,962 burns met inclusion criteria, with 1409 electrical and 20,553 thermal burns. Majority of cases were male (58.3%) and involved household appliances (34.2%). For the CPSIA cohort, there was an average of 1274.1 burns per year before 2009, which decreased to 1003.3 burns per year after 2009. Before 2009, most burns affected the hand (44.5%), which increased after 2009 and remained the most-affected body part (48.1%, P < 0.001). For the COVID-19 cohort, there was an average of 1133.5 burns per year before 2020, which decreased to 779.5 burns per year after 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The CPSIA and COVID-19 pandemic may have led to a decreased incidence of pediatric burns from electronic devices. Pediatric populations are still at high risk for hand burns and household appliance burns. Providers should be aware of burn trends to inform guardians about the risks.

[Serum creatine phosphokinase as a predictor of upper limb amputation in electrical trauma]. / Soderzhanie kreatinfosfokinazy v plazme krovi kak prediktor amputatsii verkhnei konechnosti pri elektrotravme.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between serum creatine phosphokinase and outcomes of injury in victims with electrical burns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 40 patients with electrical injury, 7 (18%) ones underwent upper limb amputation. There were 37 (92.5%) men and 3 (7.5%) women aged 37 (28; 47) years. We analyzed total serum creatine phosphokinase and MB fraction on the first day in patients with and without amputations. RESULTS: Total serum creatine phosphokinase exceeded the upper reference value in 11 out of 33 patients without amputation and in all 7 patients with limb amputation (p=0.001). Patients with limb amputation had significantly higher total serum creatine phosphokinase and MB fraction (p<0.001 and p=0.030, respectively). Logistic regression equation showed that high total serum creatine phosphokinase significantly influenced amputation rate (p<0.001), as evidenced by odds ratio (42.7, 95% CI 3.5-514.8). ROC analysis revealed the cut-off value of total serum creatine phosphokinase (950 IU/L). Sensitivity was 100% (63; 100), specificity - 94% (86; 94), positive predictive value - 78% (49; 78), negative predictive value - 100% (92; 100). CONCLUSION: Total serum creatine phosphokinase depends only on severity of electrical and flame burns. Serum creatine phosphokinase is a predictor of upper limb amputation in patients with electrical injury. Total serum creatine phosphokinase ≥ 950 IU/L is significant for upper limb amputation (in CK-MB fraction within the reference values).

Electrocution Due to Fractal Wood Burning: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Medical Literature.

ABSTRACT: Fractal wood burning is a new technique of pyrography that passes an electrical current through a piece of wood resulting in decorative electrical burns. This practice has become increasingly popular with many walk-through tutorials of the process found online. This includes videos of how to build homemade devices fashioned from disassembled microwave oven transformers. There have been 31 reported deaths and many serious injuries due to fractal wood burning resulting in news headlines, warning statements, and an outright ban of the practice at certain woodworking events. The medical community has begun to recognize the danger of fractal wood burning with a few cases of severe burn injuries reported. We report 2 cases of electrocution from fractal wood burning accidents. The scene investigations were examined, including the similarities in the homemade microwave oven transformers that were used, as well as the autopsy findings. The pathophysiology of fractal wood burning and the creation of Lichtenberg figures is discussed as well as the high-voltage injury patterns seen in cases of fractal wood burning accidents. Other cases of electrical injury from fractal wood burning accidents reported in the news and medical literature were then examined in terms of demographics, burn pattern, cardiac findings, and whether a homemade wood burning device was involved.

Esophageal injury associated with catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Determinants of risk and protective strategies.

Catheter ablation has become an important element in the management of atrial fibrillation. Several technical advances allowed for better safety profiles and lower recurrence rates, leading to an increasing number of ablations worldwide. Despite that, major complications are still reported, and esophageal thermal injury remains a significant concern as atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is often fatal. Recognition of the mechanisms involved in the process of esophageal lesion formation and the identification of the main determinants of risk have set the grounds for the development and improvement of different esophageal protective strategies. More sensitive esophageal temperature monitoring, safer ablation parameters and catheters, and different energy sources appear to collectively reduce the risk of esophageal thermal injury. Adjunctive measures such as the prophylactic use of proton-pump inhibitors, as well as esophageal cooling or deviation devices, have emerged as complementary methods with variable but promising results. Nevertheless, as a multifactorial problem, no single esophageal protective measure has proven to be sufficiently effective to eliminate the risk, and further investigation is still warranted. Early screening in the patients at risk and prompt intervention in the cases of AEF are important risk modifiers and yield better outcomes.

Circumferential Partial-Thickness Burn Caused by Mobile Telephone Charger: A Case Report.

Many children and adolescents have access to portable electronic devices. Although not always the case, these devices are often charged at nighttime, especially while being used in bed. There are increasing media reports of electric current injury from the portable electronic devices' charging cables, particularly with equipment that is available for lower cost from generic manufacturers. A 19-year-old woman presented to the pediatric emergency department after a burn from her generic iPhone charger. She was lying in bed wearing a chain necklace, with the charger underneath her pillow and plugged into an electrical outlet, when she felt a sudden burning sensation and severe pain around her neck. She was found to have a circumferential partial-thickness burn. She underwent computed tomographic angiogram, whose result was unremarkable. The wound was debrided, and she was then discharged home. She likely sustained an electrical injury from the charger as it came in contact with her necklace, causing a burn. Several companies have investigated the difference in quality and safety of generic versus Apple-brand chargers and have found that the majority of the generic chargers fail basic safety testing, making them a higher risk for electrical injury. As a result of this case, patients and families should be educated about safe use of these devices, especially while they are charging.

Use of electrosurgical units in the endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal tumors.

Electrosurgical units (ESUs) are indispensable devices in our endoscopy units. However, many endoscopists are not well-trained on their use and their physical bases are usually not properly studied or understood. In addition, comparative data concerning the settings that may be applied in different circumstances are scarce in the medical literature. Given that it is important to be aware of their strengths and risks, we conducted a review of the available information and research on this topic.

Hand-to-hand coupling and strategies to minimize unintentional energy transfer during laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Energy-based devices are used in nearly every laparoscopic operation. Radiofrequency energy can transfer to nearby instruments via antenna and capacitive coupling without direct contact. Previous studies have described inadvertent energy transfer through bundled cords and nonelectrically active wires. The purpose of this study was to describe a new mechanism of stray energy transfer from the monopolar instrument through the operating surgeon to the laparoscopic telescope and propose practical measures to decrease the risk of injury. METHODS: Radiofrequency energy was delivered to a laparoscopic L-hook (monopolar "bovie"), an advanced bipolar device, and an ultrasonic device in a laparoscopic simulator. The tip of a 10-mm telescope was placed adjacent but not touching bovine liver in a standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy setup. Temperature increase was measured as tissue temperature from baseline nearest the tip of the telescope which was never in contact with the energy-based device after a 5-s open-air activation. RESULTS: The monopolar L-hook increased tissue temperature adjacent to the camera/telescope tip by 47 ± 8°C from baseline (P < 0.001). By having an assistant surgeon hold the camera/telescope (rather than one surgeon holding both the active electrode and the camera/telescope), temperature change was reduced to 26 ± 7°C (P < 0.001). Alternative energy devices significantly reduced temperature change in comparison to the monopolar instrument (47 ± 8°C) for both the advanced bipolar (1.2 ± 0.5°C; P < 0.001) and ultrasonic (0.6 ± 0.3°C; P < 0.001) devices. CONCLUSIONS: Stray energy transfers from the monopolar "bovie" instrument through the operating surgeon to standard electrically inactive laparoscopic instruments. Hand-to-hand coupling describes a new form of capacitive coupling where the surgeon's body acts as an electrical conductor to transmit energy. Strategies to reduce stray energy transfer include avoiding the same surgeon holding the active electrode and laparoscopic camera or using alternative energy devices.

Wound management and outcome of 595 electrical burns in a major burn center.

BACKGROUND: Electrical burns are important causes of trauma worldwide. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, wound management, and outcome of electric burns. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research of the Third Military Medical University during 2013-2015. Data including the demographics, injury patterns, wound treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 595 electrical burn patients (93.8% males) were included. The average age was 37.3 ± 14.6 y, and most patients (73.5%) were aged 19∼50 years. Most patients (67.2%) were injured in work-related circumstances. The mean total body surface area was 8.8 ± 11.8% and most wounds (63.5%) were full-thickness burns. Operation times of high-voltage burns and current burns were higher than those of low-voltage burns and arc burns, respectively. Of the 375 operated patients, 83.2% (n = 312) underwent skin autografting and 49.3% (n = 185) required skin flap coverage. Common types of skin flaps were adjacent (50.3%), random (42.2%), and pedicle (35.7%). Amputation was performed in 107 cases (18.0%) and concentrated on the hands (43.9%) and upper limbs (39.3%). The mean length of stay was 42.9 ± 46.3 d and only one death occurred (0.2%). Current burns and higher numbers of operations were major risk factors for amputation and length of stay, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical burns mainly affected adult males with occupational exposures in China. Skin autografts and various skin flaps were commonly used for electric burn wound management. More standardized and effective strategies of treatment and prevention are still needed to decrease amputation rates.

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices: focus on contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging protocols.

AIMS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported to be safe in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) provided a specific protocol is followed. The objective of this study was to assess whether this is also true for patients excluded from published protocols. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 160 MRIs were obtained in 142 consecutive patients with CIEDs [106 patients had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and 36 had a pacemaker implanted] using an adapted, pre-specified protocol. A cardiac MRI was performed in 95 patients, and a spinal/brain MRI was performed in 47 patients. Forty-six patients (32%) had either abandoned leads (n = 10), and/or were pacemaker dependent with an implanted ICD (n = 19), had recently implanted CIEDs (n = 1), and/or had a CIED device with battery depletion (n = 2), and/or a component of the CIED was recalled or on advisory (n = 32). No major complications occurred. Some device parameters changed slightly, but significantly, right after or at 1-week post-MRI without requiring any reprogramming. In one patient with an ICD on advisory, the pacing rate changed inexplicably during one of his two MRIs from 90 to 50 b.p.m. CONCLUSION: Using a pre-specified protocol, cardiac and non-cardiac MRIs were performed in CIED patients with pacemaker dependency, abandoned leads, or depleted batteries without occurrence of major adverse events. Patients with devices on advisory need to be monitored carefully during MRI, especially if they are pacemaker dependent.

Five seconds of 50-60 W radio frequency atrial ablations were transmural and safe: an in vitro mechanistic assessment and force-controlled in vivo validation.

AIMS: Longer procedural time is associated with complications in radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation. We sought to reduce ablation time and thereby potentially reduce complications. The aim was to compare the dimensions and complications of 40 W/30 s setting to that of high-power ablations (50-80 W) for 5 s in the in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro ablations-40 W/30 s were compared with 40-80 W powers for 5 s. In vivo ablations-40 W/30 s were compared with 50-80 W powers for 5 s. All in vivo ablations were performed with 10 g contact force and 30 mL/min irrigation rate. Steam pops and depth of lung lesions identified post-mortem were noted as complications. A total of 72 lesions on the non-trabeculated part of right atrium were performed in 10 Ovine. All in vitro ablations except for the 40 W/5 s setting achieved the critical lesion depth of 2 mm. For in vivo ablations, all lesions were transmural, and the lesion depths for the settings of 40 W/30 s, 50 W/5 s, 60 W/5 s, 70 W/5 s, and 80 W/5 s were 2.2 ± 0.5, 2.3 ± 0.5, 2.1 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.3, and 2.3 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The lesion depths of short-duration ablations were similar to that of the conventional ablation. Steam pops occurred in the ablation settings of 40 W/30 s and 80 W/5 s in 8 and 11% of ablations, respectively. Complications were absent in short-duration ablations of 50 and 60 W. CONCLUSION: High-power, short-duration atrial ablation was as safe and effective as the conventional ablation. Compared with the conventional 40 W/30 s setting, 50 and 60 W ablation for 5 s achieved transmurality and had fewer complications.

Safety and effectiveness of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation according to the different power and target temperature in a swine model.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (EB-RFA) is a new endoscopic palliation and adjunctive tool. Although EB-RFA is performed worldwide, a possibility of iatrogenic thermal injury leading to perforation or bleeding still remains. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of thermal and coagulation injury after in vivo EB-RFA using a new catheter with a temperature sensor in a swine model. METHODS: Twelve mini pigs were divided into four groups according to power (33 mm 10 W electrode vs. 18 mm 7 W electrode) and RFA target temperature (75°C vs. 80°C). All mini pigs underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and target temperature controlled EB-RFA for 120 s. Additional cholangiogram was taken immediately after RFA, and all pigs were sacrificed after 24 h to assess the macroscopic/microscopic RFA injury. RESULTS: Microscopic maximal injury depth and ablation area of EB-RFA using a 33-mm 10 W RFA electrode were significantly deeper and larger than those of EB-RFA using an 18-mm 7 W electrode (median; 2.7 vs. 2.1 mm, P = 0.004, 48.9 vs. 36.2 mm2 , P = 0.016). However, there were no significant differences in microscopic ablation parameters between two different RFA target temperatures (75°C vs. 80°C). In addition, a post-RFA cholangiogram and assessment of the resected specimen at 24 h after the RFA showed no adverse events such as perforation or bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: EB-RFA using a temperature controlled RFA catheter successfully ablates the bile duct wall without adverse events in a swine model.

Unintended stray energy from monopolar instruments: beware the dispersive electrode cord.

BACKGROUND: The monopolar instrument emits stray radiofrequency energy from its cord when activated. This is a source of unintended thermal injury to patients. Stray energy emitted from the dispersive electrode cord has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether, and to what extent, the dispersive electrode cord contributes to unintentional energy transfer and describe practical steps to minimize risk. METHODS: In a laparoscopic simulator, a monopolar generator delivered radiofrequency energy to an L-hook. Thermal imaging quantified the change in tissue temperature nearest to the tip of a non-electrical instrument following activation. The orientation of the dispersive electrode cord was varied relative to other instruments. RESULTS: When the dispersive electrode cord is parallel to the camera cord, tissue temperature increased at the telescope tip by 46 ± 6 °C from baseline (p < 0.001). Similar heat was generated when the camera cord was oriented parallel to the active electrode cord (46 ± 6 vs. 48 ± 7 °C, respectively, p = 0.48). Adding a second dispersive electrode decreased the temperature change (46 ± 6 vs. 25 ± 9 °C, p < 0.001). Temperature increase was greater with coagulation versus cut mode (33 ± 7 vs. 22 ± 6 °C, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Stray energy emitted from the dispersive electrode cord heats tissue >40 °C via antenna coupling; the same magnitude as the active electrode cord. Practical steps to minimize stray energy transfer include avoiding orienting the dispersive electrode cord in parallel with other cords, adding a second dispersive electrode, and using low-voltage cut mode.

Insulation failure in electrosurgery instrumentation: a prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The use of electrosurgery has expanded to a wide variety of surgical specialities, but it has also been accompanied by its share of complications, including thermal injuries to nontargeted tissues, caused by a break or defect in the insulation of the instrument's coat. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and the location of insulation failures (IFs) in electrosurgical instruments, then to assess the necessity of routine IF testing. METHODS: Electrosurgical instruments were visually inspected and checked for IF using a high-voltage detector. Two different detectors were used during two testing sessions: DTU-6 (Petel company) and DIATEG (Morgate company). Laparoscopic and non-laparoscopic instruments were determined to have IF if current crossed the instrument's insulation, signaled by an alarm sound. RESULTS: A total of 489 instruments were tested. The overall prevalence of IFs was 24.1 % with only visual inspection and 37.2 % with the IF detector. Among the 489 instruments, 13.1 % were visually intact, but had an electric test failure. DTU-6 and DIATEG detectors showed comparable efficiency in detection of overall IFs and for laparoscopic and non-laparoscopic instruments. The median location of IFs was more pronounced for laparoscopic instruments (50.4 %) and the distal location for non-laparoscopic instruments (40.4 %). CONCLUSION: Accidental burns are a hidden problem and can lead to patient complications. In Central Sterilization Service Department, prevention currently includes only visual control of electrosurgery instrumentation, but testing campaigns are now necessary in order to identify maximum instruments' defects.

Electrical injury in relation to voltage, "no-let-go" phenomenon, symptoms and perceived safety culture: a survey of Swedish male electricians.

PURPOSE: Professional electricians are highly subjected to electrical injuries. Previous studies describing symptoms after electrical injury have not included people with less severe initial injuries. The purpose of the present study was to describe symptoms at different time points after electrical injury, the impact of "no-let-go" phenomenon and different electrical potential [high voltage (HV) vs. low voltage (LV)], and the safety culture at the workplace. METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted with 523 Swedish electricians. Two questionnaires were issued: the first to identify electricians who had experienced electrical injury and the second to gain information about symptoms and safety culture. Self-reported symptoms were described at different time points following injury. Symptoms for HV and LV accidents were compared. Occurrence or nonoccurrence of "no-let-go" phenomenon was analysed using two-tailed Chi-2. Safety culture was assessed with a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly all reported having symptoms directly after the injury, mainly paraesthesia and pain. For the first weeks after injury, pain and muscle weakness dominated. The most frequently occurring symptoms at follow-up were pain, muscle weakness and loss of sensation. HV injuries and "no-let go" phenomenon were associated with more sustained symptoms. Deficiencies in the reporting routines were present, as well as shortage of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that symptoms are reported also long time after an electrical injury and that special attention should be paid to HV injuries and "no-let go" accidents. The workplace routines to reduce the number of work-related electrical injuries for Swedish electricians can be improved.

Management of a Mass Casualty Event Caused by Electrocution Using Doctor Helicopters.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first report to show the use of doctor helicopters in a mass casualty event induced by electrocution. METHODS: We performed a narrative review. RESULTS: Two children obtained electrocution burns by breaking an electric fence. Five adults also received electrocution burns. Emergency medical technicians at the scene requested additional dispatch of an ambulance and the doctor helicopter. Two adult men with cardiopulmonary arrest were transported by 2 ambulances to a nearby hospital. One adult woman was in a restless confusional state, intubated, and transferred to another hospital using the doctor helicopter. One boy, who was initially in a coma, and his mother were transferred to our hospital by 1 ambulance. Another boy, who had finger amputation, was transferred to the other hospital by another doctor helicopter. A remaining elderly woman was transported to the other local hospital by ambulance. All the victims, except the 2 fathers who fell into cardiac arrest, survived. CONCLUSION: Early confirmation of the safety of the scene, early establishment of command and control, early request for dispatch of other parties and the doctor Helicopter, appropriate triage, appropriate treatment at the scene, selecting appropriate medical facilities, and dispersion transportation were crucial.

Impact of capped and uncapped abandoned leads on the heating of an MR-conditional pacemaker implant.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk of radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating in patients with MR-conditional pacemaker (PM) systems, in the presence of another lead abandoned from a previous implant. METHODS: Four commercial pacemaker leads were placed beside a MR-conditional PM system, inside a human trunk simulator. The phantom has been exposed to the RF generated by a 64 MHz body bird-cage coil (whole-body specific absorption rate [SAR] = 1 W/kg) and the induced heating was measured at the tip of the abandoned lead and of the MR-conditional implant. Configurations that maximize the coupling between the RF field and the leads have been tested, as well as realistic implant positions. RESULTS: Abandoned leads showed heating behaviors that strongly depend on the termination condition (abandoned-capped or saline exposed) and on the lead path (left or right positioning). Given a whole-body SAR = 1 W/kg, a maximum temperature rise of 17.6°C was observed. The presence of the abandoned lead modifies the RF-heating profile of the MR-conditional implant: either an increase or a decrease in the induced heating at its lead tip can occur, mainly depending on the relative position of the two leads. Variations ranging from -63% to +69% with respect to the MR-conditional system alone were observed. CONCLUSION: These findings provide experimental evidence that the presence of an abandoned lead poses an additional risk for the patient implanted with a MR-conditional PM system. Our results support the current PM manufacturers' policy of conditioning the MR compatibility of their systems to the absence of abandoned leads (including leads from MR-conditional implants). From a clinical point of view, in such cases, the decision whether to perform the exam shall be based upon a risk/benefit evaluation, as in the case of conventional PM systems.