Their technology is now being used more than ever.
Patrick Schoettker, the chief anesthesiologist at CHUV University Hospital, is well aware of the potential difficulties that can arise after a protracted procedure performed under general anesthesia.
Rapid blood loss from the surgical site can cause abrupt and hazardous drops in blood flow throughout the body, which can put the patient into shock. However, following many hours of profound sedation, patients may also experience significant lung issues, a complication that accounts for 25% of all deaths within the first six days following surgery.
These catastrophes can occasionally be caused by underlying physiologic weaknesses in the patient that were not recognized.
What if hospitals could quickly and affordably test for them before big procedures?
The Masimo W1 smartwatch is being fitted to patients weeks before their pre-operative consultation as part of an experiment being carried out by Schoettker and his associates. An evaluation of their health status is subsequently created using the data it has gathered.
With medical-grade accuracy, the W1 continuously measures blood oxygen, pulse rate, heart rate, respiration rate, and even hydration levels. According to Schoettker, the layers of information are similar to a “digital twin” and have the potential to save lives.
