Flosonics Medical, a leader in wearable medical ultrasound, today announced that Sutter Health, an integrated not-for-profit system based in Northern California, will implement FloPatch, the world’s first wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound. The FDA-cleared device gives ICU clinicians a fast, hands-free method of assessing blood flow at the bedside to aid in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and fluid management for critically ill patients.
Determining appropriate intravenous (IV) fluid volume for patients is crucial yet complex in critical care settings. FloPatch offers a simple, fast, and reliable means to monitor changes in blood flow and heart function related to IV fluid administration. By enhancing precision in IV fluid management, FloPatch improves care for critically ill patients, including those with septic shock, a leading cause of hospital mortality in the U.S.
Placed on the neck, FloPatch continuously monitors blood flow in the carotid arteries, providing insight into left ventricle function. This data is wirelessly transmitted to a secure iOS mobile app, giving clinicians real-time actionable data directly at the bedside.
This summer, Sutter Health will introduce FloPatch in two Bay Area medical centers, initially at Sutter’s Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, Calif., followed by deployment at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) across Van Ness, Davies, and Mission Bernal campuses in San Francisco, totaling four ICUs.
“FloPatch can significantly impact patient care by enabling goal-directed therapy, potentially averting harmful interventions and reducing ICU admissions,” stated Kristina Kury, M.D., medical director of Critical Care at Sutter’s Eden Medical Center. “I believe this technology will provide more precise, actionable data that will allow us to optimize patient care, decrease complications, and shorten hospital stays for many patients.”
“Based on our initial experience with FloPatch, we anticipate its effectiveness in managing congestive heart failure and shock conditions in ICU patients, similar to its benefits in treating sepsis,” noted George S. Horng, M.D., medical director of Critical Care at Sutter’s CPMC. “This non-invasive breakthrough promises improved health outcomes for our patients.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Sutter Health to introduce this innovative ultrasound technology to their healthcare providers,” said Joe Eibl, PhD, CEO of Flosonics Medical. “FloPatch represents a new approach linking physiology with resuscitative medicine. We believe it has the potential to transform critical care by providing crucial insights into complex medical scenarios.”
One recent study demonstrated that for every 10 FloPatch assessments conducted in the emergency department, approximately four patients avoided potentially hazardous fluid overload, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and substantial cost savings.
About Flosonics Medical
Flosonics Medical, established in 2015, is a Canadian medical device company dedicated to advancing ultrasound technology through innovative research and development. Their mission focuses on improving patient care and advancing medical practice with technology-enabled solutions and pioneering clinical research. For more information, visit www.flosonicsmedical.com.
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system committed to delivering comprehensive care across California. With a dedication to health equity, community partnerships, and high-quality patient care, Sutter Health is expanding access to exceptional healthcare through a progressive initiative aimed at connecting and enhancing care for more patients. Serving nearly 3.5 million patients, Sutter Health operates with a team of over 57,000 employees and clinicians, alongside 12,000+ affiliated physicians, united in their mission to advance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through continuous improvement.