Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Transthoracic examination of the heart and great vessels is an essential skill that allows the anesthesiologist to evaluate cardiac function. In this article, we describe a pragmatic technique to obtain the essential views to evaluate normal or abnormal cardiac function and to appreciate great vessel anatomy and physiology. ⋯ The integration of the echocardiographic information particularly from the heart and great vessels with the case story, physical examination, laboratory data, and other relevant clinical information should become the way of the future, and this will benefit the patients under our care.
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To perform a narrative review of the current trials examining the use of perioperative ultrasound to diagnose common issues related to the heart, lungs, stomach, and airway. ⋯ Perioperative point-of-care ultrasound is a useful method for the diagnosis of many important perioperative conditions. The impact of this diagnostic approach on patient outcomes however remains to be determined.
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Airway management is a critical skill in the practice of several medical specialities including anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care. Over the years mounting evidence has showed an increasing role of ultrasound (US) in airway management. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the indications for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the upper airway. ⋯ A rapidly growing body of evidence showing ultrasonography used in conjunction with hands-on management of the airway may benefit patient care. Increasing awareness and use of POCUS for many indications have resulted in technologic advancements and increased accessibility and portability. Upper airway POCUS has the potential to become the first-line non-invasive adjunct assessment tool in airway management.
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Observational Study
Subclavian and axillary vessel anatomy: a prospective observational ultrasound study.
The primary objective of this study was to define the ultrasound-derived anatomy of the axillary/subclavian vessels. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the relationship between the vascular anatomy and demographic, anthropometric, and hemodynamic data of patients. ⋯ In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, axillary vessel anatomy varied considerably, and the patients' hemodynamics could not predict the size of the axillary vessels. Only the patients' weight correlated moderately with the depth of the vein.