Abstract
Background Continuous cardiac monitoring with wireless sensors is an attractive option for early detection of arrhythmia and conduction disturbances and the prevention of adverse events leading to patient deterioration. We present a new sensor design (SmartCardia), a wearable wireless biosensor patch, for continuous cardiac and oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring. Objective This study aimed to test the clinical value of a new wireless sensor device (SmartCardia) and its usefulness in monitoring the heart rate (HR) and SpO2 of patients. Methods We performed an observational study and monitored the HR and SpO2 of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We compared the device under test (SmartCardia) with the ICU-grade monitoring system (Dräger-Healthcare). We defined optimal correlation between the gold standard and the wireless system as <10% difference for HR and <4% difference for SpO2. Data loss and discrepancy between the two systems were critically analyzed. Results A total of 58 ICU patients (42 men and 16 women), with a mean age of 71 years (SD 11), were included in this study. A total of 13.49 (SD 5.53) hours per patient were recorded. This represents a total recorded period of 782.3 hours. The mean difference between the HR detected by the SmartCardia patch and the ICU monitor was 5.87 (SD 16.01) beats per minute (bias=–5.66, SD 16.09). For SpO2, the average difference was 3.54% (SD 3.86; bias=2.9, SD 4.36) for interpretable values. SmartCardia’s patch measures SpO2 only under low-to-no activity conditions and otherwise does not report a value. Data loss and noninterpretable values of SpO2 represented 26% (SD 24) of total measurements. Conclusions The SmartCardia device demonstrated clinically acceptable accuracy for HR and SpO2 monitoring in ICU patients.
Highlights
Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in hospital units and intensive care units (ICU) has been performed for 50 years [1]
The goals of monitoring have changed over time, from simple tracking of heart rate (HR) and basic rhythm to the diagnosis of complex arrhythmias, detection of myocardial ischemia, identification of prolonged QT interval, or modifications of the QRS complex
There was no disconnection of the device or interruption of the recording due to poor skin contact
Summary
Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in hospital units and intensive care units (ICU) has been performed for 50 years [1]. The frequency of measurements is increased when necessary, and, in the event of aberrant signs, the physician is informed and nurses manually check patient vital signs, sometimes with poor compliance [2,3]. The frequency of monitoring by nurses is low, and relevant changes in vital signs may remain undetected, especially when they are subtle or within the normal range These could lead to adverse events or complications [4]. We present a new sensor design (SmartCardia), a wearable wireless biosensor patch, for continuous cardiac and oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
