Assessing the Functionality and Comfort of Chest Heart Rate Monitor Use During Acute Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to investigate whether wireless chest heart rate (HR) monitors function properly and are comfortable when worn under surgical apparel and lead. Methods: Three participants donned chest heart rate monitors, surgical scrubs, and surgical lead aprons in a simulated operating room. For approximately 40 minutes, they conducted a series of movements that mimics those used during acute trauma surgeries while heart rate metrics (including heart rate variability) data was collected and comfort was evaluated. Results: All chest HR monitors stayed in position and did not produce discomfort in any participants. Additionally, despite their location under surgical lead, the HR monitors successfully transmitted data to the collection hub 98.92% of the time. Conclusions: Chest-worn HR monitors function properly and are comfortable to wear in an operating room environment, opening the possibility for trauma surgeons to use these devices to study their physiologic response to different operations.