.png)
Patrick Schoettker, head of anesthesiology at the CHUV University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, is aware of the complications that can arise after long surgeries under general anesthesia. Rapid blood loss can lead to shock, while post-sedation lung problems account for a quarter of deaths in the days following surgery. Many of these complications can result from undetected weaknesses in the patient's physiology.
Schoettker and his team are conducting an innovative trial using the Masimo W1 smartwatch, which is placed on patients weeks before their preoperative consultation.
This device collects continuous data on heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and even hydration, all with medical accuracy. Schoettker describes this data as a "digital twin" that could be key to preventing complications.
"We plan to use this information to anticipate and address issues before and after surgery," Schoettker states. This initiative reflects how the rise of smartwatches is transforming preventive health, with projections of sales exceeding 400 million devices by 2027.
Manufacturers such as Masimo, Apple, and Samsung have developed watches that allow for real-time tracking of multiple health indicators. According to Gosia Wamil, a cardiology specialist at the Mayo Clinic, these devices are helping doctors detect health issues before they worsen. "More and more patients are bringing data from their watches, which allows us to investigate anomalies in greater depth."
The applications in heart health are particularly promising. Recent research indicates that ECG readings from smartwatches can identify arrhythmias in healthy individuals aged 50 to 70, which could signal serious conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Additionally, artificial intelligence algorithms are proving effective in identifying heart issues, such as low ejection fraction, with high precision. Wamil highlights that this combination of technology could revolutionize cardiac care, enabling more preventive and personalized treatments.
Beyond heart health, smartwatches are also opening doors for detecting neurological diseases. A study from Cardiff University demonstrated that these devices can identify signs of Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before clinical diagnosis by analyzing subtle movement patterns.
Cynthia Sandor, the study leader, suggests that the combined use of movement data and other metrics from the watch could facilitate early diagnosis, which is crucial for more effective treatments.
Devices are also being researched to predict seizures in patients with epilepsy. Aileen McGonigal from the Queensland Brain Institute is evaluating how AI algorithms can use data such as heart rate variability and skin temperature to anticipate seizure events.
Despite the enthusiasm for these innovations, some doctors express concerns about false positives and the potential anxiety they could generate in patients. Jeremy Smelt, a thoracic surgeon, warns that while smartwatches can save lives, their use must be careful to avoid unnecessary diagnoses.
As technology advances, the future of smartwatches promises an increase in applications for preventive health. Joe Kiani, CEO of Masimo, mentions that they are working on the ability to predict asthma attacks by monitoring respiratory and heart rates.
"For decades, the only health device we had at home was a thermometer. Now, we are developing tools that can provide valuable information to avoid emergencies and deliver appropriate care," Kiani concludes.
Comments