Authors: Siddharth J Trivedi Toon Wei Lim Michael A Barry Karen Byth David L Ross Aravinda Thiagalingam Pramesh Kovoor
Publish Date: 2012/11/21
Volume: 36, Issue: 3, Pages: 307-314
Abstract
Return electrode burns occur occasionally in cardiac radiofrequency ablation and more frequently in tumor radiofrequency ablation A return electrode incorporating a thermochromic liquid crystal TLC layer which changes color with temperature has been shown in sheep studies to accurately indicate underlying skin temperature We aimed to validate the accuracy of TLCcoated return electrodes in indicating skin temperature in the clinical setting of cardiac radiofrequency ablationThe top layer of a standard return electrode was replaced with TLC Fluorooptic thermometer FOT probes were laid on the skin side of the return electrode which was then placed on the left lateral midthigh of 18 patients mean age = 61 ± 12 years 12 men undergoing cardiac radiofrequency ablation Return electrode photographs were taken when FOT temperature exceeded 35 °C TLC color changes observed in 11 patients were converted to temperature and compared with FOT temperature TLC temperature correlated well with FOT temperature Pearson’s coefficient = 097 ± 003 Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement mean temperature difference = −004 ± 008 °C upper limit of agreement = 011 ± 0005 °C lower limit of agreement = −019 ± 0005 °C The maximum FOT temperature recorded was 396 °C There was no thermal injury at the return electrode site on any patients when assessed immediately after and the day following the procedure
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