Thermal conductivity and diffusivity in swine myocardium

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental technique for the measurement of thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity using self-heated thermistors. Thermal probes are constructed by placing a miniature thermistor at the tip of a plastic catheter. The volume of tissue over which the measurement occurs depends on the surface area of contact between the thermistor and the tissue. Electrical power is delivered to a spherical thermistor positioned invasively within the tissue of interest. The electrical power and resulting temperature rise are measured by microcomputer-based instrument. The instrument is calibrated by operating the system in media of known thermal properties. Thermal property measurements in swine myocardium were measured at 27, 37 and 50/spl deg/C.