[A case report of a burn produced by the probe of a pulse oximeter]

Abstract

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 Spo2 measurement the anesthetist became aware of abnormal heating of the probe and removed it immediately. 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.