Work

Utility of the tympanic membrane temperature probe for continuous core temperature monitoring during general anesthesia: in vitro laboratory validation and prospective observational study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Continuous tympanic membrane temperature (T-TM) monitoring is minimally invasive and may be suitable for core temperature measurement during anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of T-TM compared to infrared tympanic thermometer temperature (T-IRT) and esophageal temperature (T-ESO). METHODS: This study included both in vitro validation and a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital. In vitro agreement between T-TM and T-ESO over a temperature range of 32 to 42°C was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Clinically, 40 adults undergoing general anesthesia were under continuous T-TM and T-ESO monitoring, with T-IRT measured at three perioperative time points. Agreement was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis, and temporal changes were assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Hypothermia was defined as core temperature < 36.0°C. Safety was assessed using otoscopy before and after anesthesia. RESULTS: In vitro, T-TM and T-ESO showed minimal mean bias (-0.01°C; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.03 to 0.00°C), with limits of agreement (LoA) ranging from -0.22 to 0.20°C. Clinically, T-TM was comparable to T-IRT (mean bias: 0.04°C; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.07°C; LoA: -0.33 to 0.41°C) but consistently higher than T-ESO as anesthesia progressed (mean differences: 0.31 to 0.80°C; P < 0.001). Hypothermia detection was lower with T-TM (37.5%) than with T-ESO (85.0%) (P < 0.001). No otological complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: T-TM demonstrated excellent agreement with T-ESO in vitro and was comparable to T-IRT in clinical settings. However, it tended to yield slightly higher readings than T-ESO, which should be considered during perioperative temperature monitoring.

Source: Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

DOI: 10.17085/apm.25252

Authors: Ha Yeon Kim, Sang Kee Min, Hun Yi Park, Do Hyun Kim, Tae Kwang Kim

Institution: Ajou University

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Regulation in Medicine

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $250