RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation in Postoperative Thoracic Surgery Using a Smartwatch

This research is investigating how effective smartwatches are at detecting an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) in people who have recently had chest surgery. Around 1 in 5 patients get AF after this type of operation. If not found and treated early, AF can lead to serious health problems like heart failure or stroke. Smartwatches with built-in heart rhythm monitors might be a good way to spot these irregular heartbeats quickly, even if you don't feel any symptoms. This study aims to compare how well these smartwatches work against the standard ways doctors check for AF, hoping to find a better way to protect patients' hearts after surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

302

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Thoracic Surgery Smartwatches Rhythm Monitoring Cardiovascular Prognosis Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Randomized Trial

What is this study about?

When people have chest surgery (like an operation on their lungs), sometimes their heart can develop an irregular rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF) afterwards. This is quite common, affecting about 1 in 5 patients. While some people might feel symptoms, others might not even know their heart rhythm is off. This is a concern because AF can increase the risk of serious health problems such as strokes, heart failure, or heart attacks.

Catching this irregular heartbeat early is really important so doctors can start treatment and help prevent these serious complications. Traditionally, doctors monitor heart rhythms in various ways, but sometimes AF is missed, especially if it doesn't happen continuously. Smartwatches with special heart-monitoring features could offer a new way to keep an eye on heart rhythms.

This study wants to find out if using a smartwatch after chest surgery is a good way to detect AF. Researchers will compare how well smartwatches identify AF in patients versus the usual care they receive. The goal is to see if smartwatches are a reliable and effective tool for early detection, which could ultimately lead to better health outcomes for patients recovering from chest surgery.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates smartwatches for detecting irregular heartbeats after chest surgery.
Early detection of an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) can prevent serious complications.
The study compares smartwatch monitoring to standard hospital care.
It aims to improve patient safety after major chest operations.
Participation involves wearing a smartwatch to monitor your heart rhythm.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have recently had major chest surgery involving one-lung ventilation. This usually means operations like removing part or all of a lung (a pneumonectomy or lobectomy). You would need to be recovering in a standard hospital ward after your operation.

To join, you must be able to use a smartwatch to take a single-lead ECG (a simple heart rhythm reading). Also, you can't have a history of atrial fibrillation, depend on a pacemaker, or have other heart rhythm issues that require constant monitoring. If you're pregnant, have had certain other types of chest surgery, or are already in another trial that might affect your heart rhythm, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had major chest (lung) surgery?
Are you able to use a smartwatch to take a simple heart rhythm reading?
Have you never had atrial fibrillation before?
Do you *not* rely on a pacemaker or have other serious fast heart rhythms?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study does not specify exact details on what taking part involves in terms of visits, assessments, or follow-up duration beyond wearing a smartwatch. However, based on the description, if you join, you would likely be asked to wear a smartwatch that monitors your heart rhythm after your chest surgery. This smartwatch has the ability to record your heart’s electrical activity (an ECG) and uses special computer programs to look for signs of atrial fibrillation. The study aims to compare this smartwatch monitoring with the standard care you would receive, meaning you would still get all your usual medical checks.

Potential risks and benefits

There is a potential benefit that using a smartwatch might help detect an irregular heartbeat earlier than usual, which could lead to quicker treatment and potentially prevent more serious health problems. The risks are expected to be low, as smartwatches are generally safe to use. You might experience minor skin irritation from wearing the watch. There are no medical recommendations made by the study. Remember, if you decide to join, you are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre hospitalier Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'atrial fibrillation'?

It's when your heart beats irregularly and often very fast. It can sometimes lead to serious health problems like stroke.

Why is this study using smartwatches?

Smartwatches have special features that can check your heart's rhythm. This study wants to see if they can help find irregular heartbeats early after chest surgery.

Will my regular medical care change if I join?

No, you will still receive all the standard medical care you would normally get after your surgery. The smartwatch just adds an extra layer of monitoring.

What kind of chest surgery are they looking for?

They are looking for people who have had major lung surgery, such as removing part or all of a lung (called a lobectomy or pneumonectomy).

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Pierre Huette, MD

huette.pierre@chu-amiens.fr 33322088371 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.