We have noted an increased use of xenon and other high wattage light sources; also the use of large diameter fiber optic cables on instruments with small diameter fiber optic bundles. Such practices can create a hazardous situation.

ESI fiber optic light carriers are designed and manufactured for use with 150 watt halogen light sources and fiber optic cables of an appropriate size for the instrument. Generally, instruments such as nasal retractors and specula, anoscopes, rectal retractors and most smaller instruments have a light carrier of 3.5mm. They should be used only with small diameter fiber optic cables. Larger instruments like operating retractors such as St. Mark retractors, Deep Pelvic retractors, Harrington retractors and large Deaver retractors have a large light carrier of 6.5mm and can safely be used with large diameter fiber optic cables.

Use of higher wattage light sources and/or oversized fiber optic cables can generate heat at the fiber optic connector and possibly accelerate the depletion of the fiber optics.

We are, therefore, notifying our customers to be sure and use compatible components with fiber optic instruments as noted above. We suggest that you check your cable, light source and instrument configuration to verify that the assembly will not present an unsafe situation when used in the operating room. Additionally, be aware that broken fibers or contaminants that negatively effect the transmission of light through the fiber optic light carrier will compound the problem.

The above image may not be to scale, but is given as a depiction of the glass fiber diameter within a 7.54mm (ACMI) cable.