The LESS Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CardiopuLmonary function testing in the Emergency general Surgical Setting: A LESS invasive method of measuring fitness
IRAS ID
321754
Contact name
David Jayne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ST James's University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Ventriject is a small device placed on the chest of a user to general a value on cardiorespiratory function (CRF). It uses signals generated by the vibrations from a beating heart, picked up by a small accelerometer placed on the chest. This is alternative method of assessing cardiac function and can generate values such as V02Max. V02Max is a marker of CRF and is used in assessing fitness for surgery in certain circumstances. Ventriject has been tested against exercise stress testing in over 400 healthy subjects and has been found to closely related with V02Max measurements. This correlation is the closest correlation when compared to alternative methods.
It is estimated that each measurement costs approximately £15 and takes a total of 120 seconds to complete. It requires no physical exercise and may be more acceptable in certain clinical situations and patient groups. Currently Ventriject has been used in non-clinical settings and lacks evidence as to its usability in the clinical environment. Given the advantages of a cheap, rapid, and accessible method of measuring V02Max, Ventriject would be an appropriate method for measuring CRF in the emergency setting and may compliment how health care workers assess surgical risk which will aid in the clinical decision making around emergency surgery.
The aim of this study is to assess whether Ventriject value correlates with clinical outcome in patients admitted to the emergency general surgery department in a single centre. The study will also look at operative outcomes in those undergoing emergency surgery. We will also assess be the acceptability of the device to patients and clinicians.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
23/NS/0024
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion