Functions and Characteristics of Urinary Catheters with Temperature-Sensing Probes

Urinary catheter with temperature-sensing probe is a Class II sterile, single-use medical device. It is designed for use by healthcare professionals on critically ill patients—such as those in the ICU or operating room, patients undergoing or recovering from major surgery, and those suffering from trauma or extensive burns—who require strict core body temperature management.

 

Core Principle：A thermistor temperature probe is embedded in the distal tip of the catheter. Once the catheter is indwelling in the bladder, the probe comes into direct contact with the urine to measure bladder temperature. As bladder temperature closely approximates the body's core temperature, data is transmitted via signal wires within the catheter wall to a monitor for continuous temperature readings, eliminating the need for repeated rectal or esophageal temperature measurements.

 

1. Basic Urinary Drainage: Facilitates routine indwelling catheterization for urine drainage and output monitoring; suitable for surgical patients, critically ill patients, and those with voiding disorders.
2. Continuous Core Body Temperature Monitoring: Features a built-in thermistor probe at the catheter tip; when placed in the bladder, the bladder temperature closely approximates the body's core temperature. It connects to a monitor for real-time, continuous temperature readings (accuracy ±0.2°C), enabling the timely detection of clinical changes such as fever, hypothermia, or infection.
3. Reduction of Additional Invasive Procedures: For patients already requiring an indwelling catheter, this eliminates the need for repeated rectal or nasopharyngeal temperature measurements, thereby reducing patient discomfort and the nursing workload.

 

1. Integrated Design: Builds upon the standard Foley catheter by adding an independent temperature-sensing lumen and a thermistor probe; a single catheter performs both drainage and temperature monitoring without creating additional trauma.
2. Stable and Accurate Temperature Monitoring: Temperature range of 25–45°C; the probe features low thermal mass and rapid response, making it suitable for intraoperative temperature maintenance and monitoring in cases of severe infection.
3. Material: Primarily made of medical-grade silicone, offering excellent biocompatibility and a soft catheter wall that minimizes urethral mucosal injury; the balloon inflates evenly, ensuring greater patient comfort during indwelling use.
4. Universal Compatibility: The temperature connector is compatible with most brands of patient monitors and dedicated temperature displays, enabling direct temperature data output and continuous trend recording.
5. Comprehensive Specifications: Available in sizes ranging from pediatric Fr8 to adult Fr24, with options for dual-lumen and triple-lumen (irrigation-capable) versions; sterilized via ethylene oxide, individually sterile-packaged, and designed for single use.
6. Limitations: Suitable only for patients who already require an indwelling urinary catheter; not appropriate for individuals requiring temperature monitoring alone; the probe wire requires protection to prevent damage from bending or kinking.