At CHUV University Hospital in Lausanne, Chief Anaesthesiologist Patrick Schoettker is acutely aware of the complications that can arise from lengthy surgeries under general anaesthesia. Rapid blood loss during operations can lead to shock, while severe lung issues post-surgery contribute to nearly a quarter of all deaths within the first six days following surgical procedures. These tragic outcomes are sometimes linked to undetected underlying health conditions in patients.
In an innovative approach to improve patient outcomes, Schoettker and his team are conducting a groundbreaking trial that involves equipping patients with the Masimo W1 smartwatch several weeks before their pre-operative consultations. This smartwatch continuously monitors vital health metrics, including heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, and hydration levels, all with medical-grade accuracy. The data collected helps to create a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s health status, which Schoettker likens to a “digital twin.”
“We plan to use this pre-operatively acquired data to predict possible pre- or postoperative complications and act on them in a preventative way,” says Schoettker, highlighting the potential life-saving capabilities of this technology.
This initiative reflects a larger trend in the burgeoning smartwatch market, which is projected to see over 400 million devices sold globally by 2027. Major brands such as Masimo, Apple, Samsung, Withings, Fitbit, and Polar have developed smartwatches that gather an impressive array of health data. Users can monitor metrics like sleep quality, blood pressure, heart rhythm variations, and blood oxygen saturation levels in real time.
Gosia Wamil, a consultant cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, notes the increasing willingness of patients to utilize their smartwatches for health data collection. “More and more patients are willing to use their smartwatches to acquire some data and then bring the printouts and results to us,” Wamil explains. “Then we can investigate further and confirm those abnormalities.”
Recent studies underscore the efficacy of smartwatches in monitoring heart health. An April study revealed that electrocardiogram (ECG) readings from smartwatches could reliably detect extra heartbeats in otherwise healthy individuals aged 50 to 70. These extra beats can be an early warning sign of atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by irregular heart rhythms that can lead to serious complications.
As hospitals explore the integration of wearable technology into preoperative assessments, the potential for enhanced patient safety and improved surgical outcomes becomes increasingly evident. With ongoing trials like Schoettker’s at the forefront, the future of preventative healthcare may very well hinge on the data collected from our wrists.