Smartwatch detection of atrial fibrillation after thoracic (lung) surgery

Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation in Postoperative Thoracic Surgery Using a Smartwatch

This test sees if a smartwatch's single-lead ECG can find atrial fibrillation early in adults who recently had major thoracic surgery (lobectomy or pneumonectomy).

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 302 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Amiens)
• Trial ID: NCT06724718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in about 20% of patients after thoracic surgery and can lead to stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and higher mortality if not detected early. This interventional protocol enrolls adults who underwent major thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation within the past 48 hours and are admitted to a conventional surgical unit. Participants will use a smartwatch capable of single-lead ECG recordings for rhythm monitoring while routine postoperative care continues, and smartwatch-detected events will be compared with standard monitoring and clinical diagnosis. Primary outcomes include detection of POAF and timing of detection, with secondary outcomes addressing subsequent interventions and short-term cardiovascular prognosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who had a lobectomy or pneumonectomy with one-lung ventilation within the past 48 hours, are admitted to a conventional surgical unit, can perform a single-lead ECG with a smartwatch, and can give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior history of atrial fibrillation, pacemaker dependency, need for continuous telemetry for AV block or high-rate arrhythmias, those who had other types of thoracic or chest wall surgery, people who are pregnant, or those under legal guardianship are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the smartwatch approach could enable earlier AF detection after thoracic surgery, allowing faster treatment to reduce stroke and other complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous outpatient and ambulatory studies have shown single-lead smartwatch ECGs can detect atrial fibrillation, but their use specifically for immediate postoperative detection after thoracic surgery is less well studied.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (\>18 years old).
* Patients undergoing major thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation within the past 48 hours.
* Scheduled pneumonectomy or lobectomy.
* Admission to a conventional surgical unit postoperatively.
* Ability to perform single-lead ECG using a smartwatch.
* Coverage under a social security system.
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of atrial fibrillation.
* Requirement for telemetry for AV block or tachyarrhythmias (\>140 bpm).
* Dependency on a pacemaker.
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial affecting POAF incidence.
* Mediastinal, pleural, or chest wall surgery.
* Reoperations or surgeries performed more than 48 hours prior.
* Pregnant women.
* Patients under guardians or similar legal protection.

Where this trial is running

Amiens

• Centre hospitalier Amiens — Amiens, France (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Pierre Huette, MD — Centre Hospitalier Amiens
• Study coordinator: Pierre Huette, MD

Conditions: Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation, Thoracic Surgery, Smartwatches, Rhythm Monitoring, Cardiovascular Prognosis, Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation, Randomized Trial, Postoperative atrial fibrillation