Groundbreaking EmeTerm Wristband Could Revolutionize Postoperative Care for Orthopedic Patients

EmeTerm Wristband: A New Hope in Postoperative Care

In a recent clinical trial published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS), the EmeTerm wristband from WAT Medical Enterprise Ltd. emerged as a significant tool for enhancing recovery after major orthopedic surgeries. This innovative device is designed to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a common complication faced by patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA).

The study examined the effectiveness of the wristband in conjunction with standard antiemetic medications, which included dexamethasone and ondansetron. Conducted with a randomized controlled setup, the trial involved 348 patients who were either given traditional antiemetics alone or the same medications along with the EmeTerm wristband. This groundbreaking research aimed to determine if the addition of the wristband could further decrease incidences of nausea and vomiting post-surgery.

Study Findings

The results were compelling. Specifically, those patients who utilized the EmeTerm wristband showed a notable reduction in the incidence and severity of PONV. Within the critical first six hours after surgery, the combined use of antiemetics and EmeTerm wristband resulted in a dramatic drop in nausea from 24.3% to just 6.9%, and vomiting from 15.0% to only 2.3%. Furthermore, the complete response rate—a key indicator of treatment success—increased significantly from 68.8% in the medication-only group to an impressive 84.0% with the addition of the wristband, signifying a therapeutic breakthrough with a p-value of 0.001.

Mechanism of Action

EmeTerm utilizes a technique called transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) to target the median nerve at the PC6 position on the wrist. This neural modulation regulates nausea pathways effectively, providing a non-pharmacological approach to managing PONV. Such methods are particularly appealing in today’s healthcare environment, where reducing medication dependency is critical to patient safety and comfort.

Regulatory Approvals

The device has gained significant traction in medical circles, having received essential certifications from healthcare authorities including the FDA, HC, and TGA, with ongoing efforts to renew its CE certification expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2026. These endorsements underline EmeTerm's potential impact on patient care protocols across various healthcare systems.

Implications for the Future

The implications of this study are vast. By integrating the EmeTerm wristband into standard postoperative practices, hospitals may see enhanced recovery outcomes, leading to quicker discharges and improved patient satisfaction. This innovation aligns with the global trend towards personalized, multimodal recovery protocols that prioritize patient-centered care.

In summary, the EmeTerm wristband represents a significant advancement in postoperative care for orthopedic patients. It not only has the potential to minimize PONV but also offers a drug-free, reusable solution that is friendly for both patients and healthcare providers. As further studies build on these findings, the future of recovery in orthopedic surgery is set for a transformation.

References

1. Yang, Yidan et al. (2025). Risk of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Under Spinal Anesthesia. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 107, 1063-72. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00773
2. WAT Medical
3. EmeTerm