Proposal of a new clinical method for removal of button batteries and other ferrous material from the external auditory ear canal and nasal cavity using a fine magnet probe

Aim: Removal of batteries from the external auditory canal (EAC) or nasal cavity is an ENT emergency. This should be done immediately at time of presentation, but can be especially challenging in children. Complications from impacted button batteries include nasal septal perforation with saddle nose deformity, bleeding, infection and liquefactive necrosis of the EAC with a malignant otitis externa type presentation. We previously used a magnetic probe in the form of a nasogastric tube fixation magnetic bridle, which worked reasonably effectively in removing a button battery from a child's ear, but was not perfect due to its cost and design limitations.
Source: International Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Source Type: research