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An esophageal stethoscope is a flexible monitoring device placed in the esophagus during anesthesia. It helps anesthesia providers listen to heart and lung sounds from inside the body. Some models also include a temperature sensor for continuous core temperature monitoring. It is used in selected anesthetized patients, not for routine listening during a standard physical exam.
read more about esophageal stethoscope ...An esophageal stethoscope is used to monitor heart sounds, breath sounds, and sometimes body temperature during surgery or procedures. It gives anesthesia providers another way to detect changes in ventilation, circulation, or temperature while the patient is under anesthesia. It is most often used when the patient is unconscious, intubated, or otherwise unable to report symptoms. The device supports monitoring but does not replace other monitors such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG, or capnography.
The device is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus. Since the esophagus sits close to the heart and lungs, sounds can be transmitted through the device to the anesthesia provider. If the model includes a temperature probe, it measures core temperature from the esophageal position. Correct depth and placement are needed for useful readings.
A trained clinician places the device after the patient is anesthetized or deeply sedated. The stethoscope is advanced gently into the esophagus and positioned where heart or breath sounds are best heard. If temperature monitoring is used, the probe is positioned according to the device instructions and monitoring goal. The device is removed at the end of the case or when monitoring is no longer needed.
An esophageal stethoscope should not be forced during placement. Possible risks include sore throat, minor bleeding, mucosal irritation, gagging, or injury, especially in patients with esophageal disease. Placement may be avoided in patients with certain esophageal strictures, varices, tumors, recent surgery, or swallowing problems. It provides useful monitoring data, but clinical decisions still rely on the full set of patient monitors and exam findings.
Usually no. It is generally placed after anesthesia or deep sedation because placement in an awake patient can trigger gagging and discomfort.
Some models include a temperature sensor, while others are used mainly for heart and lung sounds. The device type determines what it measures.
No. A regular stethoscope is used on the outside of the body, while an esophageal stethoscope is placed inside the esophagus during anesthesia.
It can cause irritation or minor injury if placement is difficult or the patient has risk factors. Trained placement and appropriate patient selection reduce this risk.
Esophageal Stethoscope: Product Classification. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPCD/classification.cfm?ID=BZW. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Esophageal Stethoscope Temperature Sensor. ICU Medical. https://www.icumed.com/products/temperature-management/temperature-probes/esophageal-stethoscope-temperature-sensor/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Heart and Lung Sound Measurement Using an Esophageal Stethoscope and Airborne Ultrasound Transducer for Pseudo Real-Time Analysis. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8540990/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Esophageal Stethoscope Placement Depth: Its Effect on Heart and Lung Sound Monitoring During General Anesthesia. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9620519/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
510(k) Premarket Notification: Mon-a-Therm Esophageal Stethoscope with Temperature Sensor. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?id=K251025. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.