Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

Bedside ultrasonography in the ICU: part 1.

Beaulieu Y, Marik PE

Division of Cardiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Université de Montréal, 5400 boul. Gouin O., Montreal, Québec, Canada, H4J 1C5. ybeaulieu71@videotron.ca

Ultrasonography has become an invaluable tool in the management of critically ill patients. Its safety and portability allow for use at the bedside to provide rapid, detailed information regarding the cardiovascular system and the function and anatomy of certain internal organs. Echocardiography can noninvasively elucidate cardiac function and structure. This information is vital in the management hemodynamically unstable patients in the ICU. In addition, ultrasonography has particular value for the assessment and safe drainage of pleural and intra-abdominal fluid and the placement of central venous catheters. A new generation of portable, battery-powered, inexpensive, hand-carried ultrasound devices have recently become available; these devices can provide immediate diagnostic information not assessable by physical examination alone and allow for ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis, paracentesis, and central venous cannulation. This two-part article reviews the application of bedside ultrasonography in the ICU.

Published 15 August 2005 in Chest, 128(2): 881-95.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ultrasound Research Today. All Rights Reserved.