Accuracy of Temperature Measurement in the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit

Background: Oxygenator arterial outlet blood temperature is routinely measured in the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit as a surrogate for the temperature of the arterial blood delivered to sensitive organs such as the brain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the temperature thermistors used in the Terumo Capiox SX25 oxygenator and to compare the temperature measured at the outlet of the oxygenator using the Capiox CX*TL Luer Thermistor with temperatures measured at distal sites.

Methods: Five experimental stages were performed in vitro to achieve this aim. Under our experimental conditions, the luer thermistors accurately measured the temperature as referenced by a precision thermometer.

Results: In the CPB circuit, the difference between arterial outlet and reference thermometer temperature varied with outlet temperature over-reading at low temperatures and under reading at high temperatures. There was negligible heat loss (-0.4+/-0.1degrees C) measured at 4.5 m from the arterial outlet. The Terumo Capiox CX*TL Luer Thermistor is an accurate and reliable instrument for measuring temperature when incorporated into the Capiox Oxygenator. The accuracy in the measurement of temperature using these thermistors is affected by the thermistor immersion depth.

Conclusions: Under reading of the arterial blood temperature by approximately 0.5 degrees C should be considered at normothermic temperatures, to avoid exceeding the maximum arterial blood temperature as described by institutional protocols. The accuracy of blood temperature measurements should be considered for all oxygenator arterial outlet temperature probes.