Experience with remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) for acute decompensated heart failure complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABSTRACT

Remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) is a novel, non-invasive, miniature radar based, and vest testing system to quantify pulmonary edema. ReDS value can represent valuable additions to the fluid management in patients with congestive heart failure. We report a case of relatively lower ReDS value in spite of the obvious clinical volume overload and pulmonary congestion in a patient with acute heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Treatment for congestion to ameliorate his heart failure was accompanied by further decrease in ReDS value below normal ranges. Although ReDS technology is a promising modality to quantify the lung fluid amount, we might have to pay attention to some unique comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which might attenuate electromagnetic waves and let ReDS values become inappropriately lower. Learning objective: Remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) is a novel, non-invasive, miniature radar based, and vest testing system to detect pulmonary edema, which has a robust correlation with pulmonary fluid content in heart failure patients. However, the applicability of this modality in patients with a variety of comorbidities remains unknown. We should pay attention to unique comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which might attenuate electromagnetic waves and let ReDS values become inappropriately lower.