ABSTRACT
The benefit of focused cardiovascular ultrasound as an adjunct to physical examination has been shown in numerous specialties and in diverse clinical settings. Although the value of these techniques to the practice of anesthesiology is substantial, they have only begun to be incorporated. This article reviews the basic techniques required to perform a bedside focused cardiovascular ultrasound (ie, FoCUS examination). This includes a discussion of patient positioning, breath control, probe position, and manipulation and was supplemented by normal and abnormal examples for review.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Perioperative Care/methods , Point-of-Care Systems , Ultrasonography/methods , Cardiovascular Diseases/surgery , Humans , Patient Positioning/methods , Perioperative Care/instrumentation , Physical Examination/instrumentation , Physical Examination/methods , Ultrasonography/instrumentationABSTRACT
The size, availability, cost, and quality of modern ultrasound devices have, for the first time in modern medicine, enabled point-of-care ultrasound by the noncardiologist physician. The appropriate application of focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) by anesthesiologists has the potential to alter management and affect outcomes for a wide range of patients. In this article, the indications, benefits, and limitations of FoCUS are described. The training and equipment required to perform FoCUS are also discussed.
