A groundbreaking smart t-shirt is helping post-surgery patients recover safely at home while reducing hospital stays by up to 36 hours. The wearable device, developed by LET’s Webearable Solutions, remotely monitors vital signs such as ECG, respiratory rate, body temperature, and even electrolyte levels.

A recent pilot study of 70 patients undergoing robotic-assisted urological surgery for cancer found that those using the t-shirt could be discharged two to four days after surgery, compared to three to five days for the control group.

The sensory t-shirt sends real-time data to an app and web-based software, allowing clinicians to track patients’ conditions remotely. This approach reduced unnecessary rehospitalizations, with only two patients in the wearable group needing an unplanned hospital visit, compared to eight in the control group. It also helped detect early signs of cardiological issues in five patients, enabling timely interventions.

Patients responded positively, with 90% reporting that the t-shirt made them feel safe during recovery. Antonio L. Pastore, Associate Professor of Urology at Sapienza University of Rome, emphasized that the technology improves patients’ quality of life while optimizing hospital resources.

Although further studies are needed to assess cost-effectiveness, experts see the t-shirt as a promising innovation for post-surgical care, potentially transforming hospital discharge protocols worldwide.

Article written by The engineer team

21/03/2025

Source:

The engineer

https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/sensory-t-shirt-enables-earlier-hospital-discharge#:~:text=News,rate%2C%20body%20temperature%20and%20more.