Catheter Temperature Sensor

A catheter by definition is a tube that is inserted into the body, which serves many different functions during various medical procedures. Applications for catheter temperature sensors such as Cardiac Output, Cardiac Ablation, and Urinary Bladder Monitoring employ different style catheters equipped with high precision thermistors for tight temperature measurements.

Cardiac Output catheterization with the Thermodilution method uses the thermistor inside the catheter to measure the temperature of the blood flowing through the heart allowing the physician to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions related to decreased blood flow or blockages in the heart. During a Cardiac Ablation procedure to correct heart rhythm problems, an Esophageal catheter will be inserted into the patient’s esophagus. The thermistor inside the Esophageal catheter will monitor temperature changes related to the ablation procedure allowing for better clinical decisions and preventing injury to the esophagus. Foley catheters allow continuous drainage of urine from patients, and the thermistor inside the catheter provides an accurate measurement of core body temperature. This temperature measurement provides valuable information for detecting infection, inflammation, cardiac events, and internal bleeding.

Cardiac Temperature Sensors: How do we help?

Amphenol Advanced Sensors carries an extensive line of AB and MA style NTC thermistor sub-assemblies. The NTC thermistors are housed in small, controlled diameter tips, providing a small profile for tight spaces and excellent point isolation of measurement. Various diameter and lead length offerings allow customers to incorporate our sub-assemblies into many different lumen sizes. The thermistor provides fast and accurate temperature information to the OEM monitor, aiding the critical decision making of the health care professional.

Product Offerings for Catheter Applications

Cardiac Output Catheterization:

Type GC / NTC Thermistors
Product prefix: GC11, GC14
R37: 14004 ohms
Max OD: 0.012” (GC11), 0.016” (GC14)

Type AB / NTC Thermistor Assemblies:

Product prefix: AA, AB, AN, A9
Small packages to fit standard lumens
Various lead lengths available
Max OD: 0.022” typical, 0.0125” special

Esophageal and Foley Catheters:

Type MA Thermistor Assemblies
Product prefix: MA100BF, MA100GG
R25: 2252 ohm (400 Series Compatible), 10K ohm
Max OD: 0.030” (MA100BF), 0.080” (MA100GG)
Various lead lengths available