Nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence: An Emerging Paradigm for Postoperative Patient Care

Abstract

Abstract Background An increasing number of aesthetic surgery procedures are being performed in an ambulatory fashion in office-based settings. Postoperative monitoring of these patients has historically required paid private-duty nurses measuring vital signs, encouraging ambulation, and monitoring overall comfort level. Recently, advancements in nanotechnology have permitted high-acuity data acquisition of multiple clinical parameters that can be transmitted to the surgeon's mobile device in a continuous fashion. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the authors’ early experience with this emerging artificial intelligence technology in the postoperative setting. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction and Brazilian butt lift surgery, and were placed in a monitoring garment, SimpleSense (Nanowear Technologies, Brooklyn, NY) postoperatively. The primary outcome was device usability, reflected by compliance with wearing the device and completeness of data collection. Results During the first 48 hours, 91% of patients wore the device for more than 12 hours per day. Only 39% were compliant with postoperative positioning. No postoperative events were detected. Conclusions The quality of data collected enables detection of clinical derangements and can alert the surgeon in real time, prompting interventions such as drug administration, position changes, or presentation to the emergency room. Level of Evidence: 4