In an exciting new implementation, Vitalera is proud to welcome the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC) as a key client in revolutionizing post-operative patient monitoring. This strategic partnership with the Department of Plastic Surgery will enhance recovery for patients undergoing DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap procedures by integrating Vitalera’s cutting-edge remote patient monitoring (RPM) system.

This initiative aims to reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and set a new standard for post-operative care by leveraging AI-driven analytics, wearable tracking, and personalized recovery pathways. Dr. Reinier Wertenbroek, researcher Plastic Surgery Department: “Within our department, we are constantly striving to enhance patient care—whether by adopting innovative surgical techniques or optimizing recovery with state-of-the-art solutions. Partnering with an innovative company like Vitalera opens new doors to further improve patient recovery”. 

While patients are encouraged to engage in light physical activity under the guidance of physiotherapists, much of their rehabilitation remains self-directed, which can lead to periods of inactivity and hinder recovery. Wearable technologies, such as smartwatches, present a unique opportunity to objectively monitor patient activity and provide real-time motivation to maintain mobility. These devices facilitate early integration of activity tracking from the first outpatient consultation and enable continuous remote post-operative follow-up, ultimately supporting a more effective and personalized recovery process.

Beyond postoperative monitoring, this initiative also emphasizes continuous tracking throughout the entire patient journey—pre-operative, in-hospital, and post-operative. In-hospital monitoring plays a crucial role in patient motivation, real-time tracking of vital signs, early detection of potential complications, and overall recovery support. Pre-operative monitoring establishes a baseline for activity levels, fostering a multidisciplinary, 360-degree approach to recovery planning. Additionally, the potential for early discharge is a key benefit, contributing to significant cost reductions while ensuring patient safety through robust remote monitoring systems.

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Addressing the Challenges of Post-DIEP Recovery

The DIEP flap procedure is the preferred breast reconstruction technique following mastectomy, offering natural results with minimal long-term complications. However, post-operative recovery can be complex, requiring close monitoring to detect potential complications such as poor blood flow, infections, and delayed wound healing. Traditionally, patients have relied on frequent hospital visits for follow-ups, which can be burdensome, inefficient, and costly.

This is where Vitalera steps in. With our interoperable and AI-powered platform, we bring hospital-grade monitoring to the patient’s home, ensuring continuous, real-time oversight of key recovery parameters.

How Vitalera Enhances Post-DIEP Patient Monitoring

This first collaboration between Vitalera and the Maastricht University Medical Center focuses on a two-phase approach to post-DIEP patient monitoring:

Phase 1: Establishing a Personalized Follow-Up Program

The first phase of the program introduces a structured, patient-centered follow-up system designed to monitor recovery progress seamlessly thanks to noninvasive monitoring and also using Garmin devices. This includes:

Vital Signs Monitoring: Patients’ heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation levels are tracked in real-time to detect early signs of complications.

Wearable Device Integration: Smart tracking devices continuously monitor physical activity, sleep patterns, and mobility, which are key indicators of a patient’s recovery.

Dynamic Questionnaires & AI Assessments – Patients provide daily feedback through tailored questionnaires, enabling physicians to assess their recovery trajectory and identify any red flags before they escalate.

Care Team Alerts & Intervention Support – The system is designed to flag anomalies in real time, allowing clinicians to intervene promptly and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Phase 2: Scaling to 200+ Patients 

Once the follow-up program is optimized, the second phase will expand the implementation to more than 200 post-DIEP patients. This scale-up aims to:

🔹 Enhance Patient Autonomy – Empowering patients to take control of their recovery through real-time insights and guided recovery plans.

🔹 Optimize Healthcare Efficiency – Freeing up hospital resources by shifting post-operative care into a remote, patient-centric model that maintains the same level of clinical oversight and safety.

🔹 Deliver Evidence-Based Outcomes – By analyzing patient data trends, the program will contribute valuable insights into best practices for post-DIEP recovery management.

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Vitalera’s AI-Powered Remote Patient Monitoring: A Game-Changer for Post-Operative Care

At the core of this initiative is Vitalera’s AI-powered and interoperable remote patient monitoring (RPM) system. Built to seamlessly integrate with hospital workflows and electronic health records (EHRs), the platform ensures that:

📍 Patients receive continuous, personalized monitoring without the need for excessive in-person visits.

📍 Clinicians can access a centralized dashboard with real-time patient data, allowing for timely interventions and proactive care adjustments.

📍 The system adapts dynamically based on each patient’s unique recovery path, using predictive analytics to foresee potential risks before they become serious.

By shifting post-operative care to a more data-driven, patient-friendly approach, this partnership will improve clinical outcomes while reducing the strain on healthcare professionals.

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The Future of Post-Surgical Care with AI- Remote Patient Monitoring. 

The collaboration between Vitalera and Maastricht University Medical Center represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of healthcare. As hospitals and medical institutions worldwide seek more efficient, scalable, and patient-centric solutions, AI-driven remote patient monitoring systems are poised to become the new standard in postoperative care.

This initiative aligns with Vitalera's broader mission: to bridge the gap between hospital and home care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of support and monitoring anytime, anywhere.

As we roll out this program, we remain committed to continuous innovation, enhanced patient care, and reduced healthcare inefficiencies. We look forward to sharing measurable impact insights as we progress in this transformative journey with Maastricht University Medical Center.

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