Sutter Health’s expanded deployment of FloPatch, a wearable Doppler ultrasound device developed by Flosonics Medical, marks a significant innovation in patient-centered critical care. As the first wireless, FDA-cleared ultrasound patch for real-time hemodynamic monitoring, FloPatch empowers clinicians to make data-driven decisions about IV fluid administration, particularly in high-acuity environments like emergency and intensive care units. By eliminating the need for bulky or operator-dependent equipment, the device allows frontline staff to quickly assess a patient’s responsiveness to fluids, enabling more personalized and effective interventions without delay.

This technology arrives at a crucial moment, as fluid overload remains a persistent challenge in sepsis management and other acute care scenarios. Studies indicate that nearly one in three patients with sepsis or septic shock are fluid unresponsive-placing them at greater risk for complications such as pulmonary edema and extended hospital stays. FloPatch addresses this clinical gap by helping providers avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach to fluid therapy. Through real-time assessment of blood flow, clinicians can reduce the likelihood of overtreatment, potentially lowering the need for mechanical ventilation, shortening ICU stays, and improving overall patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, Sutter Health’s system-wide integration of FloPatch signals a broader shift toward proactive, precision-driven care supported by wearable medical technologies. With six campuses now utilizing the device across multiple departments, this initiative sets a precedent for scalable adoption across large health networks. As hospitals continue to seek cost-effective tools that enhance workflow efficiency and reduce complications, wearable ultrasound solutions like FloPatch may become a standard element of care protocols, particularly in time-sensitive, high-risk cases like sepsis.