Ultrasound hypotension protocols (UHP) were performed significantly faster when using Butterfly iQ compared to a multiple transducer system, with no difference in the number of images deemed to be diagnostic quality.
How good are the images from handheld ultrasound devices when compared to the cart‐based ultrasound machines? This study found that the time to acquire and image quality for interpretability were comparable between Philips Sparq and ButterflyiQ for performance of the RUSH protocol.
POCUS was felt to have the potential to reduce or prevent M&M in 45% of cases in which it was not used. Cardiac and Lung POCUS were among the most useful applications, especially in patients with cardiopulmonary complaints and in those with abnormal vital signs.
Lung ultrasound outperformed CXR for detecting neonatal pneumothorax in a recent review of 500+ newborns. Ultrasound achieved better sensitivity and specificity and took less time to perform. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended LUS as a first-line modality for diagnosing pneumothorax in this population.
The use of POCUS has grown tremendously with the introduction of innovative, easy-to-carry and maneuver hand-held devices. This review focuses on nephrology-centric applications of POCUS that can be incorporated on a daily basis to make impactful and prompt clinical decisions.
In response to COVID-19, a drive-through prenatal care model was developed in which pregnant women would remain in their cars while being assessed by the health care professional, thus reducing potential patient, health care professional, and staff exposure to COVID-19.
A study, published in Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology in September 2020, shows a statistically significant correlation between portable-scanner findings and disease severity, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in detecting mild, moderate and severe lung lesions associated with COVID-19.
Paper describing the use of POCUS in carcinoma of the larynx: assessment of tumor extent, displacement of normal anatomy and support of regional anesthesia for awake intubation.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, here is an account of a POCUS ultrasound-exam performed by an astronaut, guided in real-time and interpreted on Earth to guide treatment and follow-up to an in-flight mission partner.
The European Society of Radiology (ESR) recently made a formal Statement on the value of ButterflyiQ as a portable ultrasound device. It provides guidance on recommended use cases and clinical settings for whole body ultrasound at the point of care.
The team at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven discuss the role of ButterflyiQ in the complex environment of obstetrics. With high incidence of adult congenital heart disease and increased cardiovascular risk factors, they discuss the value and potentially improved maternal outcome of whole body POCUS in standard obstetric practice.