Early Detection of Respiratory Depression Episodes with the Linshom Continuous Predictive Respiratory Sensor

Purpose The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Linshom Continuous Predictive Respiratory Sensor (CPRS) for early detection of Respiratory Depression Events (RDE) in post-operative patients, with a focus on improving timely clinical intervention. Methods In this prospective study, 472 adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery were monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Standard care included nurse monitoring, at a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, supplemental oxygen, and continuous SpO₂ monitoring. Simultaneously, the Linshom device continuously recorded respiratory parameters, capnography, and a second SpO2 signal (data blinded to staff). RDEs were defined by protocol and adjudicated by a 3-anesthesiologist panel provided with capnography data. Detection performance between Linshom Medical and SOC was evaluated using chi-square and McNemar’s tests. Results The study monitored 472 patients; 132 (27.9%) experienced at least one respiratory depression event (RDE). The Linshom device detected 110 of these 132 events (83.3%), significantly outperforming SOC, which detected 59 events (44.7%). Linshom uniquely identified 73 events (55.3%) not detected by SOC, whereas 22 events (16.7%) were detected only by SOC, primarily through nurse interventions involving adjustments in oxygen administration. Linshom detected RDEs a mean of 11.06 (Standard Error ± 1.91) minutes earlier than SOC (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The Linshom CPRS demonstrated superior sensitivity and earlier detection of postoperative respiratory depression compared to standard monitoring. Continuous respiratory monitoring with this technology may enhance patient safety and outcomes in the postoperative setting.