Finding the best insertion depth for an esophageal stethoscope
Optimal Depth for Esophageal Stethoscope for the Monitoring of Core Temperature
We will test different insertion depths of an esophageal stethoscope with a thermistor to find the best spot for monitoring core body temperature in adults having elective surgery under general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chosun University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gwangju) |
| Trial ID | NCT05552092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study records esophageal temperatures measured with a thermistor-equipped esophageal stethoscope at multiple insertion depths during general anesthesia in adult elective surgical patients. Researchers will compare temperatures taken at those depths to determine which position gives the most reliable core temperature readings. Patients are screened with standing chest X-ray and those with airway or central anatomical abnormalities, prior upper GI surgery, coagulopathy, BMI >30, planned position changes, or open chest procedures are excluded. The procedure is performed at a single center with standard intraoperative monitoring and predefined depth landmarks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 20–65 years old with ASA physical status I–II undergoing elective surgery in the supine or lithotomy position without planned position changes and who have a preoperative standing chest X-ray.
Not a fit: Patients with airway or central anatomical abnormalities, prior esophageal or stomach surgery, bleeding risk or coagulopathy, BMI over 30, planned position changes, or those undergoing open chest surgery are excluded and would not benefit from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians place the esophageal stethoscope at a depth that gives more accurate and consistent core temperature readings during surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous reports suggest an optimal esophageal stethoscope depth around 40–45 cm or at the T8–T9 level, but data are limited and the exact best depth remains incompletely defined.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The patients with ASA class 1-2 (20-65 years old) who are undergoing elective surgery with supine or lithotomy position, without position change scheduled to last more than 90 min. Exclusion Criteria: * anatomical abnormality with the upper airway * risks of a difficult airway * abnormal central anatomical structures such as airway, diaphragm, or spine on the chest X-ray * history of disease or surgery on the stomach or esophagus * risks of bleeding or coagulopathy on the preoperative laboratory results * obese patients with BMI over 30 * contraindication to insertion of ES for the surgery * who did not take a standing chest PA X-ray before surgery * position change during the surgery * open chest surgery
Where this trial is running
Gwangju
- Chosun University Hospital — Gwangju, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ki Tae Jung, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: mdmole@chosun.ac.kr
- Phone: +82-62-220-3223
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.