It was reported that during an arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the cautery pencil signaled in use on the generator despite the rocker-switch on the cautery pencil not activated.Reportedly, this resulted in the patient sustaining "two small full thickness burns distal to the surgical site".These burns were reportedly ellipsed and were repaired through an unknown number of stitches.At the time of the incident, the cautery device was reportedly ready for use on the surgical site and the device was "lying on the patient." it was added that "at some point during the procedure, the device was indeed left on the patient." general anesthesia was used and there was no report of any adverse patient consequence and no effect on the patient's stability as a result of the incident.No impact to the staff, the procedure, or the total length of the procedure was reported.Due to the reported medical intervention for the reported burns, this medwatch is being filed.The sample is not available to be returned for evaluation.A root cause could not be determined at this time.No additional information is available.If additional information becomes available, a supplemental medwatch will be filed.
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