Kendall DL for ECG monitoring in people having cardiac surgery

Level of innovation

Commentators considered that the disposable concept and design of Kendall DL was novel. One commentator thought it was a modification of current standard care because reusable ECG cable and lead are used in the NHS. Other experts commented that Kendall DL was not widely used in the NHS.

Potential patient impact

Two commentators thought disposable ECG cables and leads would reduce the possibility of cross-contamination between patients. They also thought that using the new technology with its disposable design would reduce the risk of equipment failure associated with repeated use of cables and leads. One of the experts stated that the technology would most benefit patients who have surgery associated with a long hospital stay. One commentator noted that Kendall DL may be associated with reduced infection rates, but evidence was weak and this clinical benefit might be offset by substantial increase in the cost of Kendall DL.

One commentator said that the technology could improve the accuracy of ECG monitoring by decreasing the risk of 'lead-off' false alarms because of the push button.

Potential system impact

Fewer healthcare-associated infections and less staff time for responding to false alarms were identified as potential system benefits. But all commentators agreed that more good quality research was needed to give robust clinical and economic evidence.

General comments

One commentator noted that Kendall DL would probably be used for major surgery in different specialities. Using the technology in patients who have cardiac surgery may not show clinical or economic benefits because the length of hospital stay could be too short. Another commentator suggested that the evidence base for the use of Kendall DL was weak and the cost of the technology could prevent its use in the NHS.