Abstract
The use of portable ultrasound (US) devices has increased in recent years and the market has been flourishing. Portable US devices can be subdivided into three groups: laptop-associated devices, hand-carried US, and handheld US devices. Almost all companies we investigated offer at least one portable US device. Portable US can also be associated with the use of different US techniques such as colour Doppler US and pulse wave (PW)-Doppler. Laptop systems will also be available with contrast-enhanced US and high-end cardiac functionality.Portable US devices are effective in the hands of experienced examiners. Imaging quality is predictably inferior to so-called high-end devices.The present paper is focused on portable US devices and clinical applications describing their possible use in different organs and clinical settings, keeping in mind that patient safety must never be compromised. Hence, portable devices must undergo the same decontamination assessment and protocols as the standard equipment, especially smartphones and tablets.
Highlights
The use of portable ultrasound devices (PUD) has increased in recent years and the market has been flourishing
Portable US devices can be associated with the use of different ultrasound techniques such as colour Doppler US and pulse wave (PW)-Doppler
PUDs are mainly used by non-radiologist units such as in internal medicine and intensive care units or in pre-hospital settings [1, 2] and allow for complementing clinical examination and providing immediate visual
Summary
Portable US devices could be indicated for abdominal, cardiac, lung, obstetric, paediatric, vascular, and trauma scanning. Portable US devices can be associated with the use of different ultrasound techniques such as colour Doppler US and PW-Doppler. Portable devices can considerably reduce the overall time required for performing an ultrasound examination at the bedside. Patient summary Portable and handheld Ultrasound (US) devices are being used increasingly in clinical practice today. Their use is important in situations where time is of the essence (emergency room, intensive care), or the location favours portable devices (remote locations, doctor’s office, etc.). Regardless of the circumstances, adequate user training and competent use of the device are essential. The use of these devices requires protocols for decontamination and data protection – in relation to data collection, transmission, and confidentiality. The quality of the devices tested and reported on in this report allows responsible clinical use of the devices
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