Handheld Ultrasound and Focused Cardiovascular Echography: Use and Information

Abstract

The availability of miniaturized ultrasound machines has changed our approach to many cardiovascular diseases. Handheld ultrasound imaging can be performed at the bedside, it is easy to use, and the information provided, although limited, is of unquestionable importance for a quick diagnosis that leads to early treatment. They have unique characteristics: Low cost, wide availability, safety, accuracy, and can be used in different clinical scenarios and by operators with different backgrounds. Image acquisition and interpretation is rapid and provides, in each situation, useful information for diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical and therapeutic management. This review focuses on the use of handheld ultrasound devices, describes differences with other equipment, their limitations, and the numerous advantages derived from their use.

A near miss: subclinical saddle pulmonary embolism diagnosed by handheld ultrasound

“…However, it is only sparingly used among non-critically ill patients in hospital wards traditionally managed by internists [ 3 ]. With the advent of HUDs, this technology is becoming increasingly more affordable and accessible for providers [ 5 ]. Further, providers can achieve examination and interpretation proficiency in a relatively short period of time (~25–50 exams), especially if training is received in a structured fashion [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…With the advent of HUDs, this technology is becoming increasingly more affordable and accessible for providers [ 5 ]. Further, providers can achieve examination and interpretation proficiency in a relatively short period of time (~25–50 exams), especially if training is received in a structured fashion [ 5 , 6 ]. Standardization of POCUS competency is still in its infancy, but current data shows that simulation-based training is the most efficacious [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Tecnologias utilizadas em cuidados críticos no combate a Covid-19: Revisão de escopo

“…Em detrimento a estes achados, estudo (Ashrafian et al, 2004) realizado em UTI evidenciou que mais de trinta por cento de alterações cardíacas clinicamente relevantes não foram identificados por meio do ecocardiograma portátil, o que se atribui a menor definição da imagem deste equipamento (2D), em escala de cinza e doppler colorido. Além disso, o dispositivo portátil apresenta menor campo de visualização, número limitado de seções de eco e baixa resolução de imagem quando comparado ao exame convencional (Savino & Ambrosio, 2019).…”

Deep Layer Kernel Sparse Representation Network for the Detection of Heart Valve Ailments from the Time-Frequency Representation of PCG Recordings

“…Similarly, the AS pathology refers to the improper opening of the aortic valve, which prevents the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta of the heart [ 5 ] [ 6 ]. For the diagnosis of these pathologies, different imaging techniques such as computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac echocardiography, and ultrasonic devices have been used [ 7 – 10 ]. It has been reported from the literature that various quantitative parameters such as transvalvular velocity, average value area, and mean value of transvalvular gradient have been considered to determine the progression of HVAs [ 11 ].…”

“…It has been reported from the literature that various quantitative parameters such as transvalvular velocity, average value area, and mean value of transvalvular gradient have been considered to determine the progression of HVAs [ 11 ]. The aforementioned imaging modalities have limitations, such as the selection of tuning parameters in ultrasonic devices to obtain better resolution images of heart chambers and valves for the diagnosis of HVAs [ 10 , 12 ]. Also, these imaging techniques are costly and require trained medical staff for the accurate assessment of HVAs [ 13 ].…”