Smartwatch for Identification of Atrioventricular Block in Post-cardiac Surgery: Going Beyond Atrial Fibrillation Detection

Introduction

In postoperative cardiac care, early detection and management of complications are crucial for optimal outcomes. Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, also known as complete heart block (CHB), is a significant concern, leading to symptoms like fatigue, exertion intolerance, and life-threatening events such as syncope or heart failure, often necessitating cardiac pacemaker (CP) implantation for timely intervention. In the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, conduction issues stemming from metabolic or inflammatory changes are common, necessitating temporary or permanent CPs to stabilize patients or symptoms. Approximately 6% of valve surgery patients may require a permanent CP due to CHB, which can emerge post-surgery.

Medical technology, including smart devices and remote telemonitoring platforms, has revolutionized postoperative care, offering real-time insights for close monitoring and early anomaly detection.

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