Revolutionizing post-operative care with continuous lactate monitoring
Monitoring lactate levels is a critical aspect of post-operative care in cardiac surgery patients. Elevated lactate levels can indicate poor oxygen delivery to tissues, which may lead to complications such as organ failure. Currently, lactate levels are measured intermittently via blood draws, providing only momentary snapshots of a patient’s condition. However, a new non-invasive lactate sensor could transform the way post-operative monitoring is conducted.
The Continuum L Study, led by Professor Anthony Mathur and CVCTU, is evaluating the feasibility and accuracy of a wearable lactate sensor. Developed by Nemaura Pharma Ltd, this device is designed to continuously measure lactate levels through the skin, potentially eliminating the need for repeated blood tests. The study is recruiting up to 76 participants with the goal of comparing the sensor's readings to traditional venous and arterial blood tests.
By enabling real-time lactate monitoring, this study could provide doctors with continuous insights into a patient’s metabolic status after surgery. This could help detect complications earlier, allowing for quicker medical interventions and more personalized treatment plans.
In addition to validating the accuracy of the device, the research team will examine patient comfort and ease of use. Traditional lactate monitoring requires frequent blood draws, which can be uncomfortable, invasive, and impractical for long-term care. The ability to track lactate levels without needles would represent a significant step forward in patient care, particularly for those recovering from major cardiac procedures.
If successful, this non-invasive continuous lactate monitoring system could be integrated into routine hospital care, enabling earlier detection of complications, reduced reliance on blood tests, and improved patient recovery. CVCTU is proud to contribute to QMUL's commitment to advancing digital health solutions and enhancing patient outcomes through cutting-edge medical technology.
To talk to someone about the Continuum L study contact the team on whri-brc-cvctu@qmul.ac.uk