- Malposition of the esophageal temperature probe tip too high in esophagus
- Malposition of the esophageal temperature probe tip too low in stomach
- Perforation of the esophagus during placement of the esophageal temperature probe
Approach to the differential diagnosis of esophageal temperature probe malfunction:
- The correct position of the esophageal temperature probe tip is in distal esophagus, otherwise sensor is malpositioned
- Note: Sometimes you may see an additional temperature probe placed with its tip in an axillary position
- Note: Sometimes you may see a temperature probe placed with its tip in rectum
- Placement of the esophageal temperature probe tip into the airway or lung or pleural space can result in pneumothorax
- Pnemopericardium, pneumomediastium, or pneumothorax after esophageal temperature probe placement should raise suspicion for perforation of esophagus
- An esophageal temperature probe that is too straight after placement and that does not gently curve into stomach should be suspected of not being in stomach
- An esophageal temperature probe tip that projects over the pelvis should be suspected of not being in stomach
- Pneumoperitoneum after esophageal temperature probe placement is due to perforation of stomach