Where is core temperature monitored during long cardiac surgeries?

Monitoring core temperature during long cardiac surgeries is critical for patient safety and management of hypothermia or hyperthermia. The preferred site for core temperature monitoring in this context is the bladder via a Foley catheter. This method provides a close approximation of the central core temperature and is minimally invasive, allowing for continuous monitoring throughout the procedure.

The bladder offers a stable environment for temperature measurement that reflects the body’s core temperature more accurately than other peripheral sites, especially during prolonged surgeries. This is essential because maintaining normothermia is closely linked to patient outcomes, including reduced complications.

In contrast, the esophagus, while also a potential site for temperature monitoring, may be influenced by environmental factors such as air temperature or device insertion, making it less reliable. Rectal temperature readings can be affected by the surrounding environment and may not reflect core temperatures accurately in all patients. Tympanic membrane temperature, although quick to measure, can be confounded by external factors, such as cerumen or ambient temperature, leading to inaccurate readings. Therefore, using a Foley catheter in the bladder is favored for its reliability and accuracy in reflecting core body temperature during cardiac surgeries.