Sutter Health, a health system based in Northern California, has implemented FloPatch, a new wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound device developed by Flosonics Medical.
Cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023, FloPatch is designed to improve fluid management and resuscitation in intensive care units (ICUs) by providing a hands-free, real-time assessment of blood flow at the bedside. FloPatch was first adopted by El Camino Health for sepsis management, with positive feedback from their staff on its effectiveness and easy integration into clinical workflows.
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Intravenous (IV) fluid management is a crucial yet complex aspect of ICU care, especially for patients with conditions like septic shock. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15 in 1,000 hospitalized patients are at risk of developing sepsis from healthcare complications.
Traditional methods of fluid management are often time-consuming and inconsistent, posing risks to patient health. Errors in IV fluid administration can lead to severe patient harm, including improper dosing, inadequate resuscitation and fluid overload. In critically ill patients, fluid overload can lead to complications such as respiratory failure, tissue breakdown and impaired bowel function, which can significantly worsen their prognosis.
In addition, improper fluid management can worsen conditions like sepsis and renal failure, leading to more intensive care and longer hospital stays. Non-invasive digital health tools like FloPatch provide consistent and precise assessments, mitigating these risks and enhancing patient outcomes.
FloPatch offers a more accurate and efficient approach. It continuously monitors blood flow in the carotid arteries via a patch placed on the patient’s neck and transmits data wirelessly to a secure mobile application. This real-time data helps clinicians make informed decisions quickly, improving the precision of IV fluid administration and potentially reducing complications and hospital stays. This Doppler ultrasound provides patients with a non-invasive experience with minimal discomfort.
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Recent literature offers valuable insights into IV infusion practices and challenges. One study highlighted high medication error risks during IV infusion due to complex processes and varying clinician expertise levels. Another study among nurses emphasized the need for improved protocols and training to reduce adverse events in IV fluid administration. Additionally, a study published in Nature found that fluid overload in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury patients significantly decreases survival rates.
A study also tested the feasibility of wearable devices to measure health data in emergency nurses and resident clinicians. While some appreciated the insights provided by wearables, others found the devices obtrusive compared to more common wearables like the Apple Watch or Fitbit.
Overall, the deployment of FloPatch at Sutter Health marks a significant advancement in ICU patient care, highlighting the growing importance of wearable, digital health technologies in enhancing patient safety and treatment outcomes.
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