In vitro calibration of a system for measurement of in vivo convective heat transfer coefficient in animals
2006

Measuring Heat Transfer in Animals

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tangwongsan Chanchana, Chachati Louay, Webster John G, Farrell Patrick V

Primary Institution: Chulalongkorn University

Hypothesis

We need a sensor to measure the convective heat transfer coefficient during ablation of the heart or liver.

Conclusion

This system is the smallest, most accurate method of minimally invasive measurement of in vivo heat transfer in animals and provides the least disturbance of flow.

Supporting Evidence

  • The sensor was tested in distilled water, tap water, and saline at various flow rates.
  • Measured values of heat transfer coefficient varied significantly with flow rate.
  • No leakage current was detected during in vitro experiments.

Takeaway

Scientists created a tiny sensor to measure how heat moves in animals' bodies during medical procedures, helping doctors understand how to do these procedures better.

Methodology

A Wheatstone-bridge circuit was used with a thin film resistive temperature detector to measure heat transfer in various fluids at different flow rates.

Limitations

The sensor's small size may affect the accuracy of measurements due to the small Reynolds and Grashof numbers.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-925X-5-57

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication