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Chelikam N, Vyas A, Desai R, Khan N, Raol K, Kavarthapu A, Kamani P, Ibrahim G, Madireddy S, Pothuru S, Shah P, Patel UK. Past and Present of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS): A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e50155. [PMID: 38192958 PMCID: PMC10771967 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This article aims to conduct a literature review to gain insight into point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). PoCUS is a rapid, accurate, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging modality that can be used in stable and unstable patients. PoCUS can be performed parallel to physical examination, resuscitation, and stabilization; repeated exams in critical patients are essential for improving sensitivity. The review highlights how PoCUS, which was initially used to detect free intraperitoneal fluid in trauma patients, has developed into a life-saving diagnostic tool that could be utilized by treating physicians during various stages of diagnosis, resuscitation, operation, and postoperative critical care when managing sick patients. The review also notes the barriers to the widespread uptake of PoCUS in general internal medicine and the recent commercial availability of "pocket" or handheld probes that have made PoCUS more readily available. This review concludes that adopting a focused binary decision-making approach can maximize PoCUS's value in many clinical settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, and operation theatres. Overall, the review emphasizes the importance of awareness of common indications, limitations, and strengths of this evolving and promising technology to determine its future trajectory: Providing comprehensive PoCUS training within internal medicine curriculums and supporting trainers to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhila Chelikam
- Clinical Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Ankit Vyas
- Internal Medicine, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, USA
| | - Rutikbhai Desai
- Community Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Nida Khan
- Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, PAK
| | - Karanrajsinh Raol
- Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, USA
- Internal Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and General Hospital, Gandhinagar, IND
| | - Anusha Kavarthapu
- Internal Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, USA
| | | | - Garad Ibrahim
- Internal Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, USA
| | | | | | - Parth Shah
- Hospital Medicine, Tower Health Medical Group, Reading, USA
| | - Urvish K Patel
- Public Health and Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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