Hand-carried Ultrasound Devices Research Articles

922 A hand-carried cardiac ultrasound device in the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities. A comparison to physical examination

922 A hand-carried cardiac ultrasound device in the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities. A comparison to physical examination

926 Aortic valve sclerosis screening using a hand-held ultrasound device

were present in respectively 97%, 40%, and 60% using SE, and 92%, 33%, and 58% using the HD (p=NS). There was a good agreement between the 2 imaging devices for the sclerosis of all aortic valve cusps (right cusp 93.2%, k=0.89, left cusp 94.7%, k=0.88, non coronary cusp 81.4%, k=0.74). The agreement was also good for evaluation of MAC and ARS, respectively 89.7%, k=0.78 and 98.2%, k=0.96. During DSE wall motion abnormalities at rest and ischemic segments at peak were present respectively in 36 (50%) and 11 (23%) of patients. There was no correlation between the grade of AVS and the number of dysfunctional segments at rest (p= 0.20) or the number of ischemic segments at peak DSE (p=0.21). Conclusion: Hand-held echocardiography is a simple, reliable and inexpensive tool to screen patients for AVS, MAC and ARS. 927 The performance of hand-carried ultrasound devices for assessment of global and segmental left ventricular function is improved with the use of echocontrast.

927 The performance of hand-carried ultrasound devices for assessment of global and segmental left ventricular function is improved with the use of echocontrast

927 The performance of hand-carried ultrasound devices for assessment of global and segmental left ventricular function is improved with the use of echocontrast

Hand-carried ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and thoracentesis

To date, ultrasound-guided centeses have required the use of large, diagnostic ultrasound equipment that can be cumbersome and not readily available. In this study, we sought to evaluate the use of portable, hand-carried ultrasound devices in guidance of pericardiocentesis and thoracentesis. Hand-carried ultrasound was used to define location of the maximal extent of the effusion and its proximity to the skin surface, confirm needle entry and site, and to evaluate postprocedural result. A total of 12 patients who were stable and hospitalized were prospectively enrolled, 9 for pericardiocentesis and 3 for thoracentesis. We concluded that under the direction of a suitably trained physician, hand-carried ultrasound provided images suitable for guidance of a pericardiocentesis or thoracentesis preprocedurally, intraprocedurally, and postprocedurally.

Feasibility of real-time echocardiographic evaluation during patient transport

Echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool in evaluating patients with cardiac emergencies and chest trauma. The lack of qualified real-time interpretation limits its use by emergency first responders. Early diagnosis of cardiac emergencies has the potential to facilitate triage and medical intervention to improve outcomes. We investigated the feasibility of remote, real-time interpretation of echocardiograms during patient transport. Echocardiograms using a hand-carried ultrasound device were transmitted from an ambulance in transit to a tertiary care facility using a distributed mobile local area network. Transmitted studies were reviewed by a cardiologist for ability to interpret predefined features. Transmission quality and reliability were assessed. Echocardiographic images were successfully transmitted greater than 88% of transport time. The evaluation of left-ventricular size and function, and presence of pericardial effusion were greater than 90% concordant, but only 66% of all echocardiographic features were concordant. Most transmission losses were brief (≤10 seconds) with little impact on interpretability. Wireless infrastructures in metropolitan areas provide the ability for real-time transmission of echocardiograms during patient transport of adequate quality for accurate interpretation. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003;16:197-201.)

Utility of hand-carried ultrasound devices used by cardiologists with and without significant echocardiographic experience in the cardiology inpatient and outpatient settings

Utility of hand-carried ultrasound devices used by cardiologists with and without significant echocardiographic experience in the cardiology inpatient and outpatient settings

Hand-carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device: Recommendations regarding new technology. A report from the Echocardiography Task Force on New Technology of the Nomenclature and Standards Committee of the American Society of Echocardiography

The newest introduction to echocardiography is a hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) device. It is a small echocardiographic machine that typically weighs less than 6 lb and can obtain echocardiographic images and data. However, neither the device nor the context of the examination fulfills the criteria for a comprehensive or complete echocardiographic examination. The American Society of Echocardiography believes that HCU will extend the concept of the “complete physical examination,” allowing more rapid assessment of cardiovascular anatomy, function, and physiology. However, appropriate user-specific training (Level 1 at a minimum) and assumption of responsibility are essential to ensure the most accurate acquisition, interpretation, and use of the data. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:369-73.)