Oropharyngeal Injury From Spontaneous Combustion of a Lithium‐ion Battery: A Case Report

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries have been used for more than 20 years, most recently to power handheld devices including cellphones and electronic nicotine-delivery systems. They have garnered significant media attention due to thermal-related injuries occurring after spontaneous combustion. Spontaneous combustion of a lithium-ion battery occurs due to a process that is referred to as the thermal runaway effect. Here, we review the case of a 25-year-old female with severe oropharyngeal and upper aerodigestive thermal injuries after spontaneous combustion of a lithium-ion battery in a flashlight. We discuss the associated management and provide a review of the literature detailing similar injuries. Laryngoscope, 2018.

Biocompatible zinc battery with programmable electro-cross-linked electrolyte

“…Increasing safety concerns over the routine use of flammable and unstable organic electrolytes are challenging conventional alkali metal-ion batteries, posing a formidable barrier to the application of modernly portable and implantable electronics [ 1 , 2 ]. In many cases, there are potentially devastating complications associated with toxic and unstable batteries lodged in the esophagus [ 3 ], ear canal [ 4 ] and oropharynx [ 5 ], resulting in corresponding liquefactive necrosis, tissue destruction and explosively burn-related injuries [ 6 ]. Therefore, in the general survey of the strict requirements in vivo [ 7 ], the conviction must have been forced upon us that biocompatibility has been put forward and regarded as one of the bottlenecks.…”

Impact of Electronic Cigarettes on the Upper Aerodigestive Tract: A Comprehensive Review for Otolaryngology Providers

“… 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 Furthermore, users are increasingly creating their own device modifications, many of which pose an increased risk for elevated nicotine and carcinogen consumption and combustion. 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 …”

“…[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71] Furthermore, users are increasingly creating their own device modifications, many of which pose an increased risk for elevated nicotine and carcinogen consumption and combustion. [83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94] Evaluating Patterns of Use E-cigs now make up the majority of nicotine use in teenagers and young adults 95 and the largest portion of non-cigarette or cigar use in older adults. 96 In order to adequately counsel at-risk patients about e-cigs, medical providers rely on patients' self-reported nicotine use.…”

Opportunities for biocompatible and safe zinc-based batteries

“…Complications of battery explosion include skin burn (65.31%, 32/49), ocular burn (14.29%, 7/49), and oropharyngeal and palatal burns (6.12%, 3/49). 30 Fortunately, facing the safety issues brought by rechargeable batteries, aqueous ZBs may be a suitable choice in energy storage for biocompatible electronics. [31][32][33][34] In recent years, numerous papers have already demonstrated various designs for ZBs in flexible configurations.…”

“…Complications of battery explosion include skin burn (65.31%, 32/49), ocular burn (14.29%, 7/49), and oropharyngeal and palatal burns (6.12%, 3/49). 30…”