Metal Detector Instead of X-rays for Swallowed Coins and Other Metallic Objects

Handheld Metal Detector Due to a recent rash of consults of patients swallowing coins and other foreign bodies mainly in kids but adults too, it occurred to me that a handheld metal detector similar to one that is used in airport security screening can quickly and easily determine whether a metal object is present within the body as well as where. This quick screening can serve three purposes... 1) X-rays can be avoided along with its radiation exposure. Typically, a neck, chest, and …

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Lithium Disc Battery Danger for Kids (and Hot Dogs)

In the last 10 years, 13 deaths related to swallowed batteries have been reported, 12 of which were due to disc batteries (20 millimeter lithium cells). The danger is that when a disc battery is inserted into a nose (for example), a localized electric current is created between the positive and negative poles of the battery within the nose. This electric current basically "electrocutes" the lining inside the nose leading to tissue damage and ultimately necrosis (tissue death) wi…

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NPR: Injuries To Kids From Swallowed Disc Batteries Are No Joke... It Is An EMERGENCY!!!

In fact it is a STAT emergency... NPR published a story on Sept 20, 2010 regarding  Chuck E. Cheese's recall of two toys (a light-up ring and glasses) due to a disc battery used to power them. These disc batteries can be access by small children if they smash apart the toy. The Consumer Products Safety Commission says two kids have had problems with batteries; one swallowed it and the other stuck it up his nose. The danger is that when a disc battery is inserted into a nose (for exa…

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