News Summary
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City has started using the FloPatch, a non-invasive wearable ultrasound device, to monitor patients post-surgery. This innovative technology aims to detect fluid overload, a common complication after surgeries and transplants, potentially reducing recovery costs and improving patient outcomes. The device, which costs approximately $450, could save the hospital significant expenses by preventing complications associated with fluid imbalances, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to patients in the ICU.
New York City – Mount Sinai Hospital has begun using an innovative wearable ultrasound device known as FloPatch in its surgical and transplant intensive care unit (ICU) to better monitor patients post-surgery and potentially reduce recovery costs. This non-invasive device detects excess fluid in patients, a common and serious complication following surgical procedures and organ transplants.
Excess fluid accumulation can lead to extended stays in the ICU and poses an increased risk of mortality. The FloPatch device uses ultrasound waves to assess how the body responds to intravenous fluids, allowing medical staff to make informed decisions on patient care. In particular, patients with low blood pressure due to shock, often resulting from sepsis after organ transplants, can greatly benefit from this technology. Too much fluid in these patients can compromise recovery and overall outcomes.
Traditionally, measuring fluid levels in patients required invasive methods like transesophageal echocardiograms, which involve inserting a probe down the throat. However, the FloPatch device is non-invasive and can be easily applied by nurses and ICU fellows, who can then monitor vital patient data directly. This could lead to a significant improvement in patient care.
Manufactured by Flosonics Medical, a medtech company located in Sudbury, Ontario, the FloPatch device costs approximately $450 per unit. Implementing the device could save Mount Sinai about $15,000 for each patient by preventing the complications that arise from excess fluid.
Currently, Mount Sinai’s ICU treats around 150 patients annually who are at risk for fluid overload. If FloPatch proves successful, even a small fraction of these patients could justify the investment. The device measures blood flow through the carotid artery, a reliable indicator of a patient’s fluid responsiveness. Early trials have demonstrated that FloPatch correlates well with patients who are in shock due to sepsis, potentially allowing for quicker and more efficient treatment interventions.
As the only healthcare provider on the East Coast utilizing the FloPatch device, Mount Sinai stands at the forefront of a growing trend in precision medicine within critical care settings. The ability to monitor patients in real-time with the FloPatch could not only improve treatment targeting but also pave the way for personalized care strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
The immediate focus of incorporating the FloPatch device lies in its capacity to address complications due to fluid imbalance, which can result in serious setbacks post-surgery. By providing consistent, real-time data, the device hopes to minimize the incidence of adverse effects associated with fluid overload, ultimately leading to more favorable outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
The introduction of this technology at Mount Sinai reflects a commitment to advancing patient care through innovative solutions that enhance monitoring capabilities and support clinical decision-making processes. As healthcare continues to evolve with the adoption of advanced monitoring tools like FloPatch, the overarching goal remains the same: to deliver the highest standard of care and improve the quality of life for patients navigating the challenges of recovery.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: Mount Sinai Adopts Flosonic Ultrasound
- Wikipedia: Ultrasound
- MassDevice: Flosonics Wearable Ultrasound New Hospital Deal
- Google Search: Flosonics Technology
- Business Wire: Sutter Health Hospitals Deploy Wearable Ultrasound Tech
- Google Scholar: Wearable Ultrasound Technology
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News: IBD Monitoring
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Technology
