Point-of-care ultrasound for non-vascular invasive procedures in critically ill neonates and children: current status and future perspectives

Applications of Point-of-Care-Ultrasound in Neonatology: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…In contrast, endotracheal intubation is identified by the presence of a hyperechoic shadow within the hyperechoic cartilage of the trachea, creating parallel hyperechoic arcs, referred to as the railroad sign. Additionally, scanning the bilateral anterior lungs for pleural sliding aids in distinguishing between endobronchial and endotracheal intubation, with unilateral pleural sliding indicating the former and bilateral pleural sliding indicating the latter [ 21 , 59 ]. Moreover, POCUS facilitates the determination of the optimal ETT depth from the gum line, which is crucial for preventing complications such as mainstem bronchus intubation or dislodgement.…”

“…Lumbar puncture, guided by ultrasound, enhances the precision of needle placement by identifying spinal landmarks and visualizing needle entry into the subarachnoid space, thereby reducing traumatic taps and improving success rates. Furthermore, POCUS can aid in ensuring the accurate placement of nasogastric and orogastric tubes within the body or the antrum of the stomach by visualizing the gastric tube as a hyperechoic line [ 21 , 59 ]. Fluid drainage procedures such as pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis, and paracentesis are facilitated through POCUS real-time visualization and needle guidance, enhancing accuracy and reducing the risk of iatrogenic complications [ 2 , 59 ].…”

“…Furthermore, POCUS can aid in ensuring the accurate placement of nasogastric and orogastric tubes within the body or the antrum of the stomach by visualizing the gastric tube as a hyperechoic line [ 21 , 59 ]. Fluid drainage procedures such as pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis, and paracentesis are facilitated through POCUS real-time visualization and needle guidance, enhancing accuracy and reducing the risk of iatrogenic complications [ 2 , 59 ]. Suprapubic bladder aspiration [ 59 ], urinary catheter visualization [ 8 ], and abscess drainage [ 24 ] also benefit from POCUS guidance.…”

Ultrasound-Assisted and Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis: An Educational Review

“…Therefore, ultrasound guidance is always recommended for diagnostic aspirations [ 14 ]. Therefore, ultrasound allows the method to be performed even in complex settings, e.g., in intensive care or in isolation from an infectious disease [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…Thoracentesis with the use of ultrasound can be performed in two ways defined as ultrasound-assisted or ultrasound-guided [ 14 ]. In the ultrasound-assisted method, ultrasound is used initially to gather information, but the procedure is performed without real-time ultrasound guidance.…”