Integrating ultrasound into critical care teaching rounds

Overview

Significant advancements have been made in the use of ultrasound technology since its inception in the early 1950s. These advances have revolutionized the practice of critical care medicine. Currently, clinicians in the intensive care unit (ICU) have at their disposal a tool at the bedside that augments the physical examination and is safe, portable, noninvasive, and readily available.

Safety

Ultrasound technology uses sound waves, and through reflection, refraction, and attenuation of these ultrasound beams, image acquisition occurs, thus limiting the patient’s exposure to radiation, unlike chest radiography and computed tomography. ^, The lack of radiation exposure also allows multiple sites to be evaluated repeatedly with minimal risk to the patient ( Chapter 1 ).

Immediate assessment of hemodynamically unstable patients is possible with the use of ultrasound, and the need for transportation with possible complications is reduced.