Abstract:
Device for adapting a temperature probe for a use in a port in a heart-lung machine. An adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle less than a port taper angle. The adaptor slip is sized such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the fluid port. The adaptor slip has an external shoulder abutting the end of the fluid port. The adaptor slip additionally has a sleeve having a closed end having a position with respect to the end of the adapter slip. A probe is configured to be seated in a lumen of the adaptor slip with a proximate end of the probe being proximate to the closed end of said sleeve.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for making and using a multiple use temperature monitor adapter. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Temperature sensors are utilized in many different forms and in countless situations. While in some circumstances the results generated by the temperature sensor need not be highly accurate, in many applications a relatively high degree of precision is desirable or even essential. Furthermore, while in some applications the positioning of the temperature sensor is a simple matter, in situations involving limitations such as confined or obstructed spaces, positioning a temperature sensor in a desirable location may prove difficult. Thus, for certain situations, relatively accurate temperature sensors may be required that may be positioned with a relatively high degree of precision in order to provide acceptably accurate results without obstructing other activities surrounding the temperature sensor. 
         [0003]    One such situation pertains to heart-lung machines. In medical situations where a patient&#39;s natural circulatory system is either inoperative or must be bypassed, a heart-lung machine, also referred to as a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit, may oxygenate and circulate the patient&#39;s blood in the place of the patient&#39;s heart and lungs. In addition to oxygenating the blood, such a machine may maintain circulation to help prevent the formation of blood clots and heat and/or cool the blood by use of a heat exchanger. 
         [0004]    As such, it may be important to have an accurate measure of the temperature of the blood both entering and leaving the heat exchanger and/or circuit. At the same time, it may be important to carefully control the position of a temperature sensor probe within the blood flow, as the position of the probe in relation to the blood flow may create regions of reduced flow, which may lead to the formation of blood clots. Temperature sensor probes have been developed that have an adequately accurate temperature sensor for use in heart-lung machines. 
         [0005]    But, as noted, temperature sensor probes may be needed both before and after the heat exchanger of the heart-lung machine. This dual location requirement may create issues with engaging the probe with the heart-lung machine. For instance, different manufacturers of components of the heart-lung machine may utilize different engagement mechanisms. Or, in certain circumstances, it may be required to have a relatively more secure fit between the temperature probe and the engagement mechanism, such as in circumstances where the blood is under relatively higher pressure. In addition, the optimal positioning of the temperature sensor may vary among different situations. Moreover, it may be desirable to physically separate a temperature probe from the patient&#39;s blood, as the probe may be relatively expensive and non-sterilizable. As such, multiple adapters have been developed for particular situations involving the use of a temperature probe with heart-lung machines. The different adapters allow for one temperature probe to be utilized with different components and different machines, while physically separating the temperature probe from the patient&#39;s blood and positioning the probe properly for accurate and safe temperature readings. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The use of multiple adapters creates various issues with supply and availability. If a particular adapter is not available at a time in which it is needed, the heart-lung machine may not be useable at all, to the potentially fatal detriment of the patient. Furthermore, it may be more expensive to supply multiple different adapters compared against a single model adapter, as increased adapters may mean greater design efforts and a lack of efficiency of scale. 
         [0007]    A multiple-use temperature monitoring adapter has been developed that may interface with multiple different ports or engagement mechanisms. The multiple-use adapter may be utilized in particular with heart-lung machines. By providing a single adapter for the temperature probe which may be used with many different engagement mechanisms on the heart-lung machine the availability of adapters may be enhanced while the cost may be reduced. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the present invention provides a probe assembly for use with an elongated fluid conduit having a lateral fluid port, the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. The assembly includes an adaptor slip having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a slip lumen and an exterior wall, at least a portion of the exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip being tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle is acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall is narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip. The adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip is less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. The adaptor slip has an external shoulder, the external shoulder abutting the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port, wherein, when the external shoulder abuts the second end of the fluid port. The adaptor slip has a sleeve having a closed proximal end, the closed proximal end of the sleeve having a known predetermined position with respect to the proximal end of the adapter slip. A probe is configured to be seated in the slip lumen with a proximate end of the probe being proximate to the closed proximal end of the sleeve. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides a probe assembly for use with an elongated fluid conduit having a lateral fluid port the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. The assembly includes an adaptor slip having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a slip lumen and an exterior wall, at least a portion of the exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle is acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall is narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip. The adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip is less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. An external shoulder of the adapter slip abuts the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port, wherein, when the external shoulder abuts the second end of the fluid port, a location of the proximal end of the adaptor slip relative to the first end of the fluid port is determined by a length of the adaptor slip from the external shoulder to the proximal end of the adaptor slip. A probe is configured to be seated in the slip lumen and project a first predetermined distance beyond proximal end of the adaptor slip, the probe having a sensor positioned on a first end of the probe, wherein the sensor projects a second predetermined distance into the fluid conduit, the second predetermined distance is limited by the location of the proximal end of the adaptor slip and the first predetermined distance. 
         [0010]    The present invention further provides an adapter slip having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end for seating in a lateral fluid port of an elongated fluid conduit, the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. The adapter slip includes an interior wall that forms a slip lumen. At least a portion of an exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall being narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip, the adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip being less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. An external shoulder abuts the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. A closed proximal end of an adapter sleeve is mated with the adapter slip and has a known predetermined position with respect to the proximal end of the adapter slip. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In one embodiment, the sleeve is seated in said slip lumen. In another, the adaptor slip is molded around said sleeve. In one embodiment, the adapter slip further includes a collar coupled to the adaptor slip, the collar circumscribing the adaptor slip distal to said external shoulder, the collar being configured to engage an exterior surface of said lateral fluid port. In another embodiment, the adapter slip further includes a rib relative to said exterior wall of said adaptor slip, wherein said rib provides at least partial interference with at least a portion of said interior surface of said lateral fluid port when said proximal end of said adaptor slip is inserted into said fluid port; for example, the rib can form a seal with the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In one example, the slip adapter, is affixed to the lateral fluid port using an adhesive, e.g., positioned distal of the rib, when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In another embodiment of the adapter slip, the interference between the interior surface of the lateral fluid port and the external surface of the adaptor slip forms a seal when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In one embodiment, the interference occurs only between a portion of the adaptor slip and lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. 
         [0011]    The present invention further provides an adapter slip having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end for seating in a lateral fluid port of an elongated fluid conduit, the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. The adapter slip includes an interior wall that forms a slip lumen. At least a portion of an exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall being narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip, the adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip being less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. An external shoulder abuts the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port with a location of the proximal end of the adaptor slip relative to the first end of the fluid port being determined by a length of the adaptor slip from the external shoulder to the proximal end of the adaptor slip. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In one embodiment, a collar is coupled to the adaptor slip, which circumscribes the adaptor slip distal to the external shoulder, the collar being configured to engage an exterior surface of the lateral fluid port. In another embodiment, a rib relative to the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides at least partial interference with at least a portion of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. For example, in one embodiment, the rib forms a seal with the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. The slip adapter, in one embodiment, is affixed to the lateral fluid port using an adhesive when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In another embodiment, the adhesive is positioned distal of the rib. In addition, in another embodiment, the interference between the interior surface of the lateral fluid port and the external surface of the adaptor slip forms a seal when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. In another embodiment, the interference occurs only between a portion of the adaptor slip and lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. 
         [0012]    The present invention further provides an adapter slip having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end for seating in a lateral fluid port of an elongated fluid conduit, the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. An interior wall forms a slip lumen. At least a portion of the exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall being narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip, the adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip being less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. An abuts the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port, wherein with the closed proximal end of a sleeve having a known predetermined position with respect to the proximal end of the adapter slip. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. A rib relative to the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides at least partial interference with at least a portion of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. A collar is coupled to the adaptor slip, which circumscribes the adaptor slip distal to the external shoulder, configured to engage an exterior surface of a first particular one of the lateral fluid port. The slip adapter is adapted to be affixed to a second particular one of the lateral fluid port using an adhesive when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. The interference between the interior surface of the lateral fluid port and the external surface of the adaptor slip is adapted to form a seal when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into a third particular one of the fluid port. For example, in one embodiment the sleeve is seated in the slip lumen. In another embodiment, the adaptor slip is molded around the sleeve. In another embodiment, the rib of the adapter slip forms a seal with the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. For example, adhesive is positioned distal of the rib. In another embodiment, the interference occurs only between a portion of the adaptor slip and lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. 
         [0013]    The present invention further provides an adapter slip having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end for seating in a lateral fluid port of an elongated fluid conduit, the fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal the fluid conduit and a second end opposite the first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, the port taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lateral fluid port, the tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, the port lumen being narrower at the first end than at the second end. The adapter slip has a slip lumen and an exterior wall with at least a portion of the exterior wall nearest the proximal end of the adaptor slip being tapered at an adaptor taper angle, the adaptor taper angle being acute with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor slip, the exterior wall being narrower at the proximal end of the adapter slip than away from the proximal end of the adaptor slip, the adaptor taper angle of the exterior wall of the adaptor slip being less than the port taper angle of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port. An external shoulder abuts the second end of the fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port, wherein with a location of the proximal end of the adaptor slip relative to the first end of the fluid port being determined by a length of the adaptor slip from the external shoulder to the proximal end of the adaptor slip. The adaptor slip is sized relative to the fluid port such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the interior surface of the fluid port at the proximal end of the adaptor slip when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. A rib relative to the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides at least partial interference with at least a portion of the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. A collar coupled to the adaptor slip, which circumscribes the adaptor slip distal to the external shoulder, the collar being configured to engage an exterior surface of a first particular one of the lateral fluid port. The slip adapter is adapted to be affixed to a second particular one of the lateral fluid port using an adhesive when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. The interference between the interior surface of the lateral fluid port and the external surface of the adaptor slip is adapted to form a seal when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into a third particular one of the fluid port. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the rib forms a seal with the interior surface of the lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the adhesive is positioned distal of the rib. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the interference occurs only between a portion of the adaptor slip and lateral fluid port when the proximal end of the adaptor slip is inserted into the fluid port. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a patient being aided by a heart-lung machine; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a temperature probe intended for use with the heart-lung-machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a multiple-use adapter slip intended for use with the heart-lung machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cut-away drawing of the adapter slip of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5   a  and  FIG. 5   b  are illustrations of the adapter slip of  FIG. 3  with a collar attached; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6   a  is a cutaway illustration of the adaptor slip of  FIG. 3  with a temperature probe and collar positioned in an inlet port; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6   b  is an illustration of the adaptor slip of  FIG. 3  with a temperature probe without a collar; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an exaggerated illustration of the adaptor slip of  FIG. 3  with the inlet port of  FIG. 6 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method for the making of an adaptor slip. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    It is often advantageous to know and regulate the temperature of the blood that is being oxygenated and circulated by a heart-lung machine. In many heart-lung machines multiple ports are provided into which temperature probes may be inserted to monitor the temperature of the blood. However, the ports on any given heart-lung machine, or among different heart-lung machines, may not be common, i.e., such ports may have differing configurations. In addition, it may be desirable to physically insulate, i.e., separate, the probe from the patient&#39;s blood should the probe be non-sterilizeable or, perhaps, be too expensive to be reasonably disposable. 
         [0027]    In order to allow a single temperature probe to be used with different ports or engagement mechanisms on a single heart-lung machine or between and among different heart-lung machines, a multiple-use temperature monitor adapter has been developed. In an embodiment, the adapter may be configured to allow the temperature probe to generate accurate measurements in two or more different temperature ports in heart-lung machines. The adapter may also physically separate the temperature probe from the blood of the patient to allow the temperature probe to be reused in a different adapter without having to sterilize the probe. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts a patient  5  being aided by heart-lung machine. Briefly, the machine generally draws blood of a patient  5  during a cardiovascular procedure through a venous line  11 , oxygenates the blood, and returns the oxygenated blood to the patient  5  through an arterial line  15 . Venous blood drawn from the patient through line  11  is discharged into a venous reservoir  2 . Cardiotomy blood and surgical field debris are aspirated by a suction device  16  and pumped by pump  18  into a cardiotomy reservoir  3 . Once defoamed and defiltered, the cardiotomy blood is also discharged into venous reservoir  2 . Alternatively, the function of the cardiotomy reservoir  3  may be integrated into the venous reservoir  2 . In the venous reservoir  2 , air entrapped in the venous blood rises to the surface of the blood and is vented to the atmosphere through a purge line  4 . Blood from patient  5  is directed to flow through inlet fluid port  20  and into venous reservoir  2 , then to heat exchanger  15  that maintains the temperature of the blood, then to oxygenator  16  that oxygenates the blood, and then through outlet fluid port  22 . Oxygenated and temperature-controlled blood is collected after moving out of the oxygenator  16  and preferably flows to an arterial filter  30  and then into the arterial line  15 . The arterial filter  30  preferably traps air bubbles in the blood that are larger than about 20-40 micrometers where the bubbles can be removed through a purge line  32 . In order to help control the temperature of the blood, inlet fluid port  20  and outlet fluid port  22  allow for the introduction of temperature probe  24  into the blood flow. In an embodiment, inlet fluid port  20  is a female luer lock consistent with the ISO 594/1-1986 standard. In another embodiment, outlet fluid port  22  is configured to engage temperature probe  24  or an adapter for temperature probe  24  with an adhesive seal. In an alternative embodiment, outlet fluid port  22  is configured with a screw-fit engagement mechanism. Other affixation methods for outlet fluid port  22  are contemplated. The circuit shown in  FIG. 1  is exemplary, and it should be understood that the temperature probe  24  may be incorporated into any suitable position along the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit or other suitable extracorporeal system. For example, temperature probe  24  may be used to monitor the temperature at the inlet to the venous reservoir and/or outlet of the oxygenator, as shown, or with alternative components in the circuit, or any combination thereof. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  depicts temperature probe  24  that may be used in conjunction with a fluid port, such as inlet fluid port  20  and/or outlet fluid port  22  of the heart-lung machine shown in  FIG. 1 . Temperature sensor  26  is positioned at the end of extender  28  to allow temperature sensor  26  to be positioned into relatively narrow conduits and ports. Locking mechanism  30  allows temperature probe  24  to be securely engaged with an adapter or port. Wire  32  is coupled to sensor  26  and transmits data from sensor  26  to a destination for ultimate use. In some embodiments, temperature probe  24  can be sterilized. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a multiple-use adapter slip  40  configured to receive temperature probe  24  and itself be seated in inlet fluid port  20  and/or outlet fluid port  22 . Proximal end  42  of adapter slip  40  has exterior wall  44 , a portion of which is tapered portion  46 . Tapered portion  46  is tapered at an acute angle with respect to longitudinal axis  47  of adapter slip  40  in a manner which may be consistent with a female member of a luer lock. Shoulder  48  may provide an engagement stop with a distal end of inlet fluid port  20  and outlet fluid port  22 , controlling, at least in part, the depth of penetration of adapter slip within inlet fluid port  20  and outlet fluid port  22 , as well as within venous line  11  and arterial line  15 . Ring stop  49  may provide engagement with collar  60  (illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ). Sleeve  50  may be seated within adapter slip  40 . Locking port  51  may be configured to engage with locking mechanism  30  of temperature probe  24 . When locking mechanism  30  is engaged with locking port  51 , temperature probe  24  and adapter slip  40  may be adequately securely coupled for medical applications. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, proximal end  42  is made from a thermoplastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In alternative embodiments, materials that are relatively rigid and non-porous are utilized. In further embodiments, the material of proximal end  42  is utilized everywhere on adapter slip  40  except for sleeve  50 . In various embodiments, proximal end  42  may be formed so that no seam exists in proximal end  42 . In alternative embodiments, a seam may be present, in some such embodiments the seam may be reduced in size by an abrasive or similar treatment. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, sleeve  50  is metallic, for example, brass plated with nickle. In an alternative embodiment, sleeve  50  is made from brass plated with nickel plated with gold. In such an embodiment, the brass is 260 brass, the nickel is electroless nickel per the AMS-2404AS standard and is 0.00005 to 0.0001 inches thick, and the gold is plated over the nickel per the SAE AMS 2422D and SATM B488 01, Type II, Grade C standard, and is 0.00001 to 0.00002 inches thick 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a cut-away drawing of adapter slip  40 . The interior of adapter slip  40  is hollow slip lumen  52  in which sleeve  50  is seated. As illustrated, sleeve  50  has sleeve lumen  54  which is configured with a sufficiently wide diameter to allow sensor  26  and extender  28  of temperature probe  24  to be seated in sleeve lumen  54 . In alternative embodiments, sleeve  50  does not extend back to shoulder  48 . In such embodiments, sleeve lumen  54  may be relatively shorter than illustrated, or not exist at all. In such an embodiment, temperature probe  24  may be seated in slip lumen  52  and contact sleeve  50  with sensor  26  and no other portion of temperature probe  24 . 
         [0034]    In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve  50  is seated in lumen  52 , with base  56  of sleeve  50  proximate the material making up shoulder  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, a thermoplastic portion of adapter slip  40  is injection molded around sleeve  50 . The material of the adapter slip  40  may shrink as it cools, which may secure sleeve  50  in the plastic and provide a watertight seal. The watertight seal may prevent blood and other biological material from coming into contact with temperature probe  24 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  illustrate adapter slip  40  with collar  60  attached. As shown in the cutaway of  FIG. 5   b , collar  60  may engage with adaptor slip  40  by snap-fit engagement distal of shoulder  48  and proximate ring stop  49 . Alternative engagement methods are also envisioned, including adhesive engagement and screw-fit engagement. Helical grooves  62  of collar provide a screw-fit receptor for inlet port  20  or outlet port  22 , which may be configured with a male screw-fit port. By screwing adapter slip  40  with collar  60  attached into engagement with inlet port  20  or outlet port  22 , a fluid-tight lock may be attained that may be relatively more secure against dislodgement from pressure internal to portions of a heart lung machine than a luer lock. As such, it may be advantageous to utilize collar  60  when internal pressure is relatively high and a luer lock when internal pressure is relatively low. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway illustration of adaptor slip  40  with temperature probe  24  and collar  60  positioned in inlet port  20 . As illustrated, inlet port  20  is not configured with screw-fit grooves to mate with grooves  62  of collar  60 . However, in alternative embodiments, such grooves may be available. 
         [0037]    As illustrated, shoulder  48  engages with end  70  of inlet port  20  and may combine with the luer fit of adaptor slip  40  with inlet port  20  to establish the distance into venous line  11  which sleeve  50  extends. To create the luer fit between adaptor slip  40  and inlet port  20 , in an embodiment, the taper angle  90  ( FIG. 7 ) of tapered portion  46  of adapter slip  40  may be consistent with the ISO 594/1-1986 standard. In various embodiments the taper angle may exceed the specification for a luer taper consistent with the ISO 594/1-1986 standard. Collar  48  and the luer fit created by taper portion  46  and interior surface  72  of inlet port  20  may, alone or in combination, establish the distance sleeve  50  extends into venous line  11 . 
         [0038]    As illustrated, an adhesive may be applied such that the adhesive forms a bond between proximal end  42  of adaptor slip  40  and inlet port  20  between shoulder  48  and tapered portion  46 . In alternative embodiments, adhesive may be in tapered portion  46  as well, in both tapered portion  46  and the space between tapered portion  46  and shoulder  48 , and in alternative portions of exterior wall  44 . The adhesive may provide affixing qualities, securing adaptor slip  40  to inlet port  20  more firmly than may be possible with a luer lock by itself. The adhesive may also provide fluid isolation, preventing, at least in part, fluid from seeping around adaptor slip  40 . Such fluid isolation provided by adhesive may be unnecessary in many embodiments, with the luer lock between adaptor slip  40  and inlet port  20  providing adequate fluid isolation. 
         [0039]    Adaptor slip  40  may further incorporate circumferential rib  80  on or proximate tapered portion  46 . Rib  80  may prevent or reduce the amount of applied adhesive penetrating into inlet port  20  when the adhesive is applied between rib  80  and shoulder  48 . In addition, rib  80  may increase the security of the luer lock and the fluid isolation without incorporating adhesive, thereby potentially obviating a need for adhesive. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary relationship between tapered portion  46  of adapter slip  40  and interior surface  72  of inlet port  20 , the relationships and angles exaggerated for illustrative purposes. Tapered portion  46  forms taper angle  90  with respect to longitudinal axis  47 . Interior surface  72  forms port taper angle  92  with respect to longitudinal axis  47 . As noted in the discussion of  FIG. 6 , taper angle  90  may be consistent with, or exceed, the specification of the ISO 594/1-1986 standard. In an embodiment, port taper angle  92  may be consistent with the ISO 594/1-1986 standard. In alternative embodiments, taper angle  90  and port taper angle  92  may be varied as appropriate to alter a sealing qualify of the luer lock created between tapered portion  46  and interior surface  72 , to modify engagement of shoulder  48  with end  70 , or for other purposes as conditions may warrant. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart for the making of adaptor slip  40 . Sleeve  50  is formed ( 800 ). In an embodiment, the formation of sleeve  50  includes forming ( 802 ) a brass core, then plating ( 804 ) the brass core with nickel and plating ( 806 ) the nickel with gold. Proximal end  42  may be formed ( 808 ) around sleeve  50  such that no seam is present in proximal end, and plastic portions of adaptor slip may be formed ( 810 ) distal of proximal end  42  and around sleeve  50 . As proximal end  42  and the rest of adaptor slip  40  cool ( 812 ) the material may shrink, creating ( 814 ) a seal between the metal of sleeve  50  and the plastic portions. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, a seamless proximal end  42  may be formed by creating a generally cylindrical mold for proximal end  42 , and by creating half-cylinder molds for portions distal of proximal end  42 . When joined to create adapter slip  40 , the cylindrical mold of proximal end  42  may prevent any seams in proximal end  42 , with the seams occurring in the junction between proximal end  42  and the rest of adapter slip  40 , along with seams running longitudinally up opposite sides of the rest of adapter slip  40 . In alternative embodiments, molds incorporating only one or two pieces may be utilized. 
         [0043]    Thus, embodiments of the devices, system and methods of a multiple use temperature monitor adapter are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.