A case report of a burn produced by the probe of a pulse oximeter
Kohjiro, M.; Koga, K.; Komori, M.; Fukutome, T.; Yasaka, B.; Urakami, H.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 41(12): 1991-1993
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 1479670 Document Number: 397579
We experienced a case of burn produced by the pulse oximeter probe at the finger of a patient. Patient was a 75-year old man scheduled to transurethral prostatectomy. The pulse oximeter probe made by Physio-Control Co. was attached at his finger and was connected to a pulse oximeter manufactured by Ohmeda Co. Soon after the start of Sp-O-2 measurement the anesthetist became aware of abnormal heating of the probe and removed it immediatedly. But unfortunately a small thermal injury was formed at patient's finger. Abnormally excessive current went through the detector diode and heated the finger probe. Attention to correct connection between the pulse oximeter probe and the finger is necessary before use.