Construction and Position Verification of a Thermocouple Esophageal Temperature Probe

The construction and evaluation of a thermocouple probe for measuring esophageal temperature is described. The position of the probe within the esophagus is determined electrocardiographically, by observing the changes in ECG traces obtained from a surface electrode and an esophageal lead. The electrocardiographic method of determining probe position is demonstrated and verified by radiography.