Remote Heart Rhythm Monitoring by Photoplethysmography-Based Smartphone Technology After Cardiac Surgery: Prospective Observational Study

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery, yet precise incidence and significance of arrhythmias discharge home need to be better defined. Photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smartphone apps are promising tools enable early detection follow-up arrhythmias. Objective By using a PPG-based app, we aimed gain more insight into prevalence AF other rhythm-related complications upon surgery evaluate implementation this app routine clinical care. Methods In prospective, single-center trial, patients recovering from were asked register their heart rhythm 3 times daily Food Drug Administration–approved for either 30 or 60 days home. Patients with permanent pacemaker excluded. Results We included 24 (mean age 60.2 years, SD 12 years; 15/23, 65% male) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery. During hospitalization, 39% (9/23) experienced postoperative AF. After discharge, PPG reported atrial flutter in 5 patients. While notified 1 patient, was false positive, as electrocardiogram revealed 2nd-degree, 2:1 atrioventricular block necessitating pacemaker. confirmed 4 (4/23, 17%) interestingly, associated an underlying complication 2 participants (pneumonia n=1, pericardial tamponade n=1). A significant increase proportion measurements indicating sinus observed when comparing first second month (P<.001). follow-up, compliance significantly lower 2.2 (SD 0.7) per day versus 3.0 0.8) (P=.002). The majority (17/23, 74%), well surveyed primary care physicians, positive value by they felt involved rehabilitation. Conclusions Implementation smartphone-based technology enables An association between found Therefore, may supplement rehabilitation acting sentinel complications, otherwise.