There is currently no method of monitoring a patient’s blood for clots in real time, according to the news report. The only method for detecting blood clots is periodically drawing blood samples and then mixing them with a test-activator to induce clotting, which requires a period of time to produce results. In that time, blood clots may already be occurring and posing a huge risk to patients.
Dr. Dogariu’s novel method utilizes a single fiber optic thread that is inserted into patients’ blood streams. The thread would send light signals that bounce off cells and interpret blood activity. The method would allow OR physicians to more quickly detect blood clots and prescribe drugs to address the risk.
Read the news report about real-time monitoring of blood clots.
Read other coverage about OR efficiency:
– 6 Tweaks to Improve the Efficiency of Hospital ORs
– Study: Basic Surgical Skills Testing Lacking in Residency Programs
