Consider Jason Derulo for a moment – and yes, we mean the musician. 

In August 2023, the singer’s ring finger became very swollen. While it’s not entirely clear why this happened, what was immediately apparent – and the crux of a viral video – was that his Oura Smart Ring needed to come off. The issue at hand, pardon the pun, was how could first responders and medical professionals do this quickly & safely? 

During his hospital visit, and with apparent difficulty spanning over an hour of effort using traditional cutter tools, the ring was eventually cut off and Derulo was no worse for the wear. 

Derulo’s story, however, is one that’s poised to become more common – not because Smart Rings cause physical reactions to the user, but because more people are using this wearable technology, and like other rings these too get stuck and may need emergency removal.

But as a new(er) type of ring, they do pose some unique challenges compared to their analog (traditional) counterparts.  And when it comes to stuck ring removal, Smart Rings also tend to be constructed with advanced materials like titanium and stainless steel, and they also contain batteries and electronics. Therefore the question remains: How to quickly and safely remove stuck Smart Rings?

In this article we’ll dig into:

• What are Smart Rings?

• How do Smart Rings work?

• Stuck Smart Ring Removal & Risks to Consider

• How to safely remove a stuck Smart Ring?

• & much more

Removing Stuck Smart Rings | What are Smart Rings?

Everything seems to be getting a digital upgrade these days. Smart Rings are one of the latest developments in the growing wearable technology industry.  Smart rings are one the latest developments in the growing wearing technology industry.

What are Smart Rings? 

Essentially they’re a smaller version of the smartwatches and fitness trackers you wear around your wrist. With integrated technology, Smart Rings collect a user’s health data, such as: 

• Step counting

• Heart rate

• Oxygen saturation levels in blood

• Sleep patterns

• Body temperature

How do Smart Rings Work?

Like the wearable tech that preceded them, Smart Rings are becoming more common. 

More subtle than a smartwatch and in some cases more durable than other fitness trackers, Smart Rings provide a sleek alternative. 

How do they work? 

These battery-powered devices use sensors around the internal circumference of the ring to capture data related to the wearer's health. To collect the most reliable data, Smart Ring users are encouraged to choose a snug-fitting size to ensure sensor contact. With this fit, the ring is better able to measure the key health metrics the wearer is tracking.

Stuck Smart Ring Removal & Risks to Consider

Finger swelling (from any number of reasons) can cause a correctly-sized ring to get stuck. This can become:

• Uncomfortable

• Eventually dangerous for a finger, depending on the severity

When a Smart Ring becomes stuck on a swollen finger, the risks it poses to the wearer’s finger share many similarities with their non-electronic contemporaries. Here’s an important one to consider:

Ring Entrapment Syndrome¹: A tightly-constricting ring can cut off the blood supply to a finger (ring tourniquet), which can lead to tissue damage and potentially result in the loss of the finger if not addressed promptly.

Let’s now talk about removing a stuck ring. Whether it’s ring cutting, or trying to work the ring off using a stuck ring manipulation technique, there are things to consider.

Smart Rings require different consideration when being removed because they have something that other rings don’t: they contain electronics and a lithium-ion battery. 

Smart Ring manufacturers often state the obvious - Lithium-Ion batteries are not meant to be punctured. So what does that mean for ring removal?

When faced with a time sensitive and finger-threatening situation, the ring has to come off, and for medical professionals ring cutting is an important approach when it comes to ring removal. However, cutting into and puncturing a Smart Ring battery conceivably could create problems, and you’d also want to avoid becoming exposed to battery contents if possible. Smart Ring manufacturers historically may not have provided clear and easily accessible information about where and how to cut their rings safely in the event their ring gets stuck.

How to Safely Remove a Stuck Smart Ring 

There are lots of different Smart Rings out there. Some manufacturers provide more guidance than others on how to cut their rings safely in event of ring entrapment. Here’s a solution that doesn’t need to cut the ring at all.

Remove a Stuck Ring without cutting with the Compression Device

The Ring Rescue Compression Device gives professionals the best chance of removing a ring intact, without cutting. Included in the Ring Rescue Kit, the Compression Device is the only registered medical device designed for non-destructive stuck ring removal. Many, but not all stuck rings can be removed with this method. For those that can, this is a good option for professionals to consider.

A Safe and Non-Destructive Ring Removal Method

The Compression Device uses air pressure to safely help reduce finger swelling. In essence, shrink the finger, then apply lubricant to reduce friction, and then use ring manipulation techniques to remove the stuck ring without ring cutting!

Why is the Compression Device a great option for removing stuck Smart Rings?

1. Reducing finger size gives you the best chance of non-destructive ring removal.

2. Potential risks associated with puncturing a Smart Ring battery are eliminated.

3. Professionals have a purpose-built medical device to provide the best patient care.

Stuck Smart Ring Removal FAQs

What to expect from non-destructive removal methods like Compression? 

Compression Device techniques focus on safely and comfortably reducing the finger’s swelling, without causing damage to the finger or the ring. Remember, the ring recently fit and if you can shrink the finger, you are better able to remove the ring. When indicated, the Compression Device uses safe, measurable pressure and offers a consistent, validated approach for medical professionals to deal with rings like this.

Importantly, some other methods (such as tight Dental Floss String Wraps and other YouTube suggestions) may actually cause skin damage, which can make the finger swelling worse, and can exacerbate the stuck ring problem if the ring isn’t removed. Ultimately, medical professionals tasked with stuck ring removal should assess the finger, review the Smart Ring manufacturer guidance (if available), and determine the most appropriate methods for removal. The Compression Device may be the best option in many cases.

How quickly should one seek professional help if a Smart Ring becomes stuck? 

It's important to seek medical help quickly if a Smart Ring – or any ring – becomes stuck, especially if there are signs of swelling, pain, or discoloration, indicating that circulation might be compromised. The sooner a professional can assess and address the situation, the better the chances of removing the ring without complications. Ideally try to bring any instructions or guidance provided from your Smart Ring manufacturer for review by your medical professional. In particular, information about battery location, cutting recommendations, and any other information that is specific to YOUR ring.

Is it safe to attempt to remove a stuck Smart Ring at home using soap or oil, and when should these methods be avoided? 

So you’ve reviewed your ring manufacturer recommendations about what to do in the event their ring gets stuck, and you want to try to remove the ring at home. While methods like ice, elevate, and lubricate (using soap or oil) can be effective at removing a mildly-stuck ring at home, they should be used cautiously. If the finger is injured, severely swollen, discolored, or painful, methods that aggravate the finger should be avoided, as they might not address underlying issues and could exacerbate the swelling or delay necessary medical treatment. Simple and mildly-stuck cases are often solved at home. More difficult cases usually require a visit to a medical professional.

For more information on our industry-leading solutions for stuck ring removal, explore the complete Ring Rescue Kit.

WARNING: Consider that Smart Rings and other battery-containing Compact Wearable Electronic Devices may malfunction in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways if punctured or cut. Always ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is utilized and exercise extreme caution when the handling of damaged or punctured Smart Rings is unavoidable. Consult directly with the manufacturer of such Smart Ring devices for product-specific guidance on how to handle and remove safely in cases of entrapment. Ring Rescue Inc. is attempting to obtain necessary information from manufacturers to provide further guidance. Until such time as we issue an update to this Warning, we recommend against cutting or puncturing any devices containing electronics or batteries.

References

1. UpToDate: Ring Entrapment Syndrome: Ring entrapment of the digit decreases lymphatic and venous drainage, which results in pain, swelling, and edema. Swelling and edema further tightens the constricting ring. If not promptly removed, then ischemia with permanent tissue necrosis can develop. Patients commonly present to emergency departments with rings that they are unable to remove from their fingers; often they have tried multiple removal techniques before presenting for care.