Photosensitized patients and operating lights

Experimental evaluation of possible side effects of intra‐operative photodynamic therapy on rabbit blood vessels and nerves

“…As a consequence of the early application of the photosensitiser, the drug will be distributed throughout the body and will be retained within the patient's tissues including the skin. This renders the patient photosensitive to bright theatre lights during the operation leading to potential alteration of the skin and any other tissue which is exposed during the operation [7]. Since bright operation lights can emit more than 30,000 lux depending on the type of lamp, severe side effects like skin burns are possible.…”

“…Since bright operation lights can emit more than 30,000 lux depending on the type of lamp, severe side effects like skin burns are possible. In order to overcome these problems, some authors operate in semi-dimmed operation theatres with the use of head lights [7]. Others recommend the use of special filters for the operation lights blocking out light of certain wave lengths which would activate the photosensitiser [8].…”

Acrylate yellow filters in operating lights protect against photosensitization tissue damage

“…Both macroscopic and microscopic damage was less pronounced when the light was ®ltered. Energy densities in these experiments were higher than the known energy densities provided to human tissues during operation, as measured by Allardice et al 17 . These authors studied the safety of intraoperative PDT with haematoporphyrin derivative; however, they defocused the operating lights at 1´30 m from the investigated area, creating minimum illuminance.…”