Progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures in infants and children.

We describe the development of progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures in infants and children. Twelve patients (four infants and eight children) underwent closure of a patent ductus arteriosus using the video-assisted technique. A progressive increase in body temperature of more than 2 degrees C occurred in six of the patients during surgery. The increase in body temperature correlated inversely with body weight and directly with duration of surgery (r = -0.76, P = 0.003 and r = 0.68, P = 0.01, respectively). We found that the thoracoscope produces 28.5 joule.min-1 of constant energy in vitro. Our findings show progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures, due to energy release from the thoracoscope. This could be a significant complication in infants undergoing prolonged operations.