VITALS: An Implantable Sensor Network for Postoperative Cardiac Monitoring in Heart Failure Patients

Heart Failure (HF) is a global epidemic, with high readmission rates and significant morbidity persisting due to gaps in post-acute care. Traditional follow-up assessments often miss gradual postoperative cardiac deterioration occurring outside hospital settings. Advances in remote patient monitoring (RPM) show promise, but continuous, sensitive, and practical methods are lacking. Building on previous work introducing a durable, soft strain sensor, this research presents VITALS, an implantable strain sensing network that enables continuous biventricular, multiaxial monitoring of cardiac function. The sensor’s novel design affords a longer fatigue life than previously possible for soft, large-deformation strain sensors, while effectively minimizing shear loading effects to enhance accuracy. Additionally, the system integrates a sensor on the aorta for synchronous systolic pressure monitoring. Animal studies demonstrate VITALS’ ability to track epicardial strain with high fidelity, detect preload changes rapidly, and differentiate inotropic states. Validation against echocardiographic chamber volumes and global longitudinal strain underscores the sensor’s clinical relevance, offering a practical solution for continuous, accurate cardiac monitoring to improve patient outcomes.