Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · May 2005
Contrast echocardiography improves the diagnostic yield of transthoracic studies performed in the intensive care setting by novice sonographers.
Bedside portable echocardiography in the intensive care department (ICU) is technically difficult, but crucial for directing patient care. Prior studies have shown contrast echocardiography (CE) in the ICU clarifies left ventricular wall motion when performed by experienced sonographers (ESO). However, in most hospitals, ESO are unavailable around the clock, and less experienced cardiovascular fellows or trainees may be asked to perform these examinations. ⋯ CE is effective in improving the diagnostic yield of transthoracic echocardiographic ICU studies performed by both novice sonographers and ESO. Using cardiology fellows to perform CE in this setting can be appropriate, particularly in after-hour situations, when ESO are not always available and the clinical question is left ventricular function. Results also suggest cardiology fellows can easily learn CE.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Apr 2005
Comparative StudyUse of a hand-carried ultrasound device by critical care physicians for the diagnosis of pericardial effusions, decreased cardiac function, and left ventricular enlargement in pediatric patients.
Prompt diagnosis of children with suggested cardiac disease in the acute care setting is critical for initiation of life-saving therapy. We hypothesized that pediatric critical care physicians could perform limited portable echocardiography in children. Portable hand-carried cardiac ultrasound units with 2.5-MHz phased-array transducers were used (Optigo, Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Mass). ⋯ Left ventricular size was correctly determined in 22 of 23 patients (96%). Left ventricular systolic function was correctly diagnosed in 22 of 23 patients (96%). These results show that, with appropriate instruction, pediatric critical care physicians are effective using limited portable echocardiography.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Apr 2005
Computer-based training in two-dimensional echocardiography using an echocardiography simulator.
Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is a user-dependent technique that poses some inherent problems to the beginner. The first problem for beginners is spatial orientation, especially the orientation of the scan plane in reference to the 3-dimensional (3D) geometry of the heart. The second problem for beginners is steering of the ultrasound probe. ⋯ We have evaluated the usability of the simulator in an introductory course for final-year medical students. The simulator was graded realistic and easy to use. According to a subjective self-assessment by a standardized questionnaire the aforementioned skills were imparted effectively.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Mar 2005
Combined transesophageal echocardiography and transesophageal cardioversion probe: technical aspects.
A probe assembly for simultaneous transesophageal echocardiography and transesophageal cardioversion has been developed. This probe allows cardioversion with the delivery of much lower energy than the standard external approach. Details of the probe construction and its use are described, as is the prospect for future practice. The use of a combined probe may be the technique of choice for patients who require both cardioversion and transesophageal echocardiography.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Mar 2005
Case ReportsMyofibroblastic sarcoma of mitral valve: a case report.
We report a patient with symptoms of congestive heart failure whose workup revealed a myofibroblastic sarcoma of mitral valve.