Home Monitoring Post-Op Surgical Drainage System

COMFORAÉ is a Human Factors led wearable monitoring system.

A discreet patient-clinician post-surgical drainage system that supports recovery at home with comfort, dignity and peace of mind.

Replacing manual recording at home, allowing transparent recovery for medical professions and patients.

The Problem

Surgical drains are used in millions of surgeries worldwide following procedures that involve tissue removal or the creation of surgical flaps, helping to prevent fluid build-up during recovery. Due to increasing NHS pressures, many patients are discharged home on the same day while still managing their drains independently. Patients are often required to manually measure and record drainage output each day, while repeated exposure to wounds and medical equipment can contribute to stress, discomfort, and emotional fatigue.

Current surgical drainage systems prioritise clinical function, but often overlook the emotional wellbeing, dignity, and lived recovery experience of patients.

This project explores how post-operative drainage could become more discreet, comfortable, and intelligently monitored through passive tracking of fluid volume output and colour changes, helping to better support recovery at home.

The System

Hospital – Discharge & Setup

Home – Passive Monitoring Volume & Colour

Clinician Monitoring – Remote Visibility & Support

The system consists of a wearable securement band, monitoring module, soft vented case, redesigned one-way drainage bulb, and the COMFORAÉ app. At the end of the recovery journey, the monitoring module can be collected, disinfected, and reused within the next care cycle, supporting a more sustainable healthcare system.