Wearable device for prevention of postoperative and post-discharge hypoxemia: A randomized pilot trial.

The Oxalert system was well tolerated in both groups and enrollment was strong. Patients randomized to active Oxalert systems experienced half as many postoperative desaturation events while hospitalized, although the difference was not statistically significant in this small pilot trial. In contrast, the Oxalert system did not reduce post-discharge desaturation. Detecting postoperative deterioation in surgical patients after they arrive on regular hospital wards, and even after they have been discharged home, can potentially facilitate necessary "rescue" interventions. Wearable devices assessing vital signs, including oxygenation, are a practical requirement. In this pilot study, a wearable pulse oximeter, with and without hypoxemia alarms, was tested for feasibility and acceptability for signal collection in postoperative cases, including at home. Results indicate that a full-scale trial is warranted to test for possible clinical benefit with this type of "wearable" where late postoperative hypoxia could be a concern. The trial was registered at ClincialTrial.gov (NCT04453722).