Development and Evaluation of a Remote Patient Monitoring System in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Postoperative monitoring of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps is critical for successful breast reconstruction.
• Timely detection of flap complications can prevent adverse outcomes.
• Current monitoring methods may have limitations in continuous, remote assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and clinical experience of a novel wireless device for remote patient monitoring of DIEP flaps.
• To assess the device's ability to detect complications in the early postoperative period.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility study involving a wireless "Free Flap Patch" device adhered to DIEP flaps post-reconstruction.
• Continuous measurement of flap temperature and tissue saturation (StO2) using red and infrared sensors.
• Retrospective analysis of device data (dSmO2, StO2) compared with clinical records.

Main Results:

• The device was used without adverse events in clinical practice.
• A single case of flap loss was associated with a device-measured decrease in estimated tissue oxygenation (StO2).
• Uncompromised flaps showed no deviations in clinical variables or device readings.

Conclusions:

• A wearable patient monitoring device (Free Flap Patch) was successfully implemented in clinical practice.
• The photoplethysmography-derived StO2 parameter showed potential in indicating flap failure.
• The device may offer early prediction of blood supply issues, warranting further clinical validation.