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Teira Calderón A, Levine M, Ruisánchez C, Serrano D, Catoya S, Llano M, Lerena P, Cuesta JM, Fernández-Valls M, González Vilchez F, de la Torre Hernández JM, García-García HM, Vazquez de Prada JA. Clinical comparison of a handheld cardiac ultrasound device for the assessment of left ventricular function. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2024; 40:55-64. [PMID: 37882957 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently developed handheld ultrasound devices (HHUD) represent a promising method to evaluate the cardiovascular abnormalities at the point of care. However, this technology has not been rigorously evaluated. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation and the agreement between the LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) visually assessed by a moderately experienced sonographer using an HHUD compared to the routine LVEF assessment performed at the Echocardiography Laboratory. METHODS This was a prospective single center study which enrolled 120 adult inpatients and outpatients referred for a comprehensive Echocardiography (EC). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 69.9 ± 12.5 years. There were 47 females (39.2%). The R-squared was r 0.94 (p < 0.0001) and the ICC was 0.93 (IC 95% 0.91-0.95, p ≤ 0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot showed limits of agreement (LOA): Upper LOA 10.61 and Lower LOA - 8.95. The overall agreement on the LVEF assessment when it was stratified as "normal" or "reduced" was 89.1%, with a kappa of 0.77 (p < 0.0001). When the LVEF was classified as "normal", "mildly reduced", "moderately reduced", or "severely reduced," the kappa was 0.77 (p < 0.0001). The kappa between the HHUD EC and the comprehensive EC for the detection of RWMAs in the territories supplied by the LAD, LCX and RCA was 0.85, 0.73 and 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSION With current HHUD, an averagely experienced operator can accurately bedside visual estimate the LVEF. This may facilitate the incorporation of this technology in daily clinical practice improving the management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Teira Calderón
- Hospital Universitari i Politécnic La Fe, Valencia (Valencia), España.
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España.
| | - Molly Levine
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Cristina Ruisánchez
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Santiago Catoya
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Miguel Llano
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Piedad Lerena
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - José María Cuesta
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Mónica Fernández-Valls
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Francisco González Vilchez
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Jose María de la Torre Hernández
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
| | - Héctor M García-García
- Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jose Antonio Vazquez de Prada
- Grupo de Investigación Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander (Cantabria), España
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Av. de Valdecilla, 25, 39008, Santander, Cantabria, España
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Integrated Assessment of Heart, Lung and Lower Extremity Veins Using Hand-Held Ultrasound Device in COVID-19 Patients: Feasibility and Clinical Application. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040724. [PMID: 36832210 PMCID: PMC9954818 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040724] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shortage of medical personnel and the prioritization of life-saving procedures on internal medicine and cardiology wards. Thus, the cost- and time-effectiveness of each procedure proved vital. Implementing elements of imaging diagnostics into the physical examination of COVID-19 patients could prove beneficial to the treatment process, providing important clinical data at the moment of admission. Sixty-three patients with positive COVID-19 test results were enrolled into our study and underwent physical examination expanded with a handheld ultrasound device (HUD)-performed bedside assessment included: right ventricle measurement, visual and automated LVEF assessment, four-point compression ultrasound test (CUS) of lower extremities and lung ultrasound. Routine testing consisting of computed-tomography chest scanning, CT-pulmonary angiogram and full echocardiography performed on a high-end stationary device was completed in the following 24 h. Lung abnormalities characteristic for COVID-19 were detected in CT in 53 (84%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of bedside HUD examination for detecting lung pathologies was 0.92 and 0.90, respectively. Increased number of B-lines had a sensitivity of 0.81, specificity 0.83 for the ground glass symptom in CT examination (AUC 0.82; p < 0.0001); pleural thickening sensitivity 0.95, specificity 0.88 (AUC 0.91, p < 0.0001); lung consolidations sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.86 (AUC 0.79, p < 0.0001). In 20 patients (32%), pulmonary embolism was confirmed. RV was dilated in HUD examination in 27 patients (43%), CUS was positive in two patients. During HUD examination, software-derived LV function analysis failed to measure LVEF in 29 (46%) cases. HUD proved its potential as the first-line modality for the collection of heart-lung-vein imaging information among patients with severe COVID-19. HUD-derived diagnosis was especially effective for the initial assessment of lung involvement. Expectedly, in this group of patients with high prevalence of severe pneumonia, HUD-diagnosed RV enlargement had moderate predictive value and the option to simultaneously detect lower limb venous thrombosis was clinically attractive. Although most of the LV images were suitable for the visual assessment of LVEF, an AI-enhanced software algorithm failed in almost 50% of the study population.
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Alsharqi M, Ismavel VA, Arnold L, Choudhury SS, Solomi V C, Rao S, Nath T, Rani A, Goel I, Kakoty SD, Mahanta P, Roy I, Deka R, Opondo C, Baigent C, Leeson P, Nair M. Focused Cardiac Ultrasound to Guide the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Pregnant Women in India. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2022; 35:1281-1294. [PMID: 35934263 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac complications are a leading cause of maternal death. Cardiac imaging with echocardiography is important for prompt diagnosis, but it is not available in many low-resource settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether focused cardiac ultrasound performed by trained obstetricians and interpreted remotely by experts can identify cardiac abnormalities in pregnant women in low-resource settings. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 pregnant and postpartum women recruited from 10 hospitals across three states in India. Twenty-two obstetricians were trained in image acquisition using a portable cardiac ultrasound device following a simplified protocol adapted from focus-assessed transthoracic echocardiography protocol. It included parasternal long-axis, parasternal short-axis, and apical four-chamber views on two-dimensional and color Doppler. Independent image interpretation was performed remotely by two experts, in the United Kingdom and India, using a standard semiquantitative assessment protocol. Interrater agreement between the experts was examined using Cohen's κ. Diagnostic accuracy of the method was examined in a subsample for whom both focused and conventional scans were available. RESULTS Cardiac abnormalities identified using the focused method included valvular abnormalities (27%), rheumatic heart disease (6.6%), derangements in left ventricular size (4.7%) and function (22%), atrial dilatation (19.5%), and pericardial effusion (30%). There was substantial agreement on the cardiac parameters between the two experts, ranging from 93.6% (κ = 0.84) for left ventricular ejection fraction to 100% (κ = 1) for valvular disease. Image quality was graded as good in 79% of parasternal long-axis, 77% of parasternal short-axis and 64% of apical four-chamber views. The chance-corrected κ coefficients indicated fair to moderate agreement (κ = 0.28-0.51) for the image quality parameters. There was good agreement on diagnosis between the focused method and standard echocardiography (78% agreement), compared in 36 participants. CONCLUSIONS The focused method accurately identified cardiac abnormalities in pregnant women and could be used for screening cardiac problems in obstetric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alsharqi
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiac Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijay A Ismavel
- Makunda Christian Leprosy and General Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Linda Arnold
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sereesha Rao
- Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Tina Nath
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Anjali Rani
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Isha Goel
- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | - Swapna D Kakoty
- Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India
| | | | | | - Rupanjali Deka
- Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences, Assam, India
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Baigent
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Leeson
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Ultrasonography in undergraduate medical education: a comprehensive review and the education program implemented at Jichi Medical University. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2022; 49:217-230. [PMID: 35034230 PMCID: PMC8761092 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-021-01178-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The concept of point-of-care ultrasound has been widely accepted owing to the development of portable ultrasound systems and growing body of evidence concerning its extensive utility. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that training to use this modality be included in undergraduate medical education. Training in ultrasonography helps medical students learn basic subjects such as anatomy and physiology, improve their physical examination skills, and acquire diagnostic and procedural skills. Technological advances such as simulators, affordable handheld devices, and tele-ultrasound systems can facilitate undergraduate ultrasound education. Several reports have indicated that some medical schools have integrated ultrasound training into their undergraduate medical curricula. Jichi Medical University in Japan has been providing medical students with ultrasound education to fulfill part of its mission to provide medical care to rural areas. Vertical integration of ultrasound education into a curriculum seems reasonable to ensure skill retention and improvement. However, several issues have hampered the integration of ultrasound into medical education, including a lack of trained faculty, the need to recruit human models, requisition of ultrasound machines for training, and limited curricular space; proposed solutions include peer teaching, students as trained simulated patients, the development of more affordable handheld devices, and a flipped classroom approach with access to an e-learning platform, respectively. A curriculum should be developed through multidisciplinary and bottom-up student-initiated approaches. Formulating national and international consensuses concerning the milestones and curricula can promote the incorporation of ultrasound training into undergraduate medical education at the national level.
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Blume GG, Lechinewski LD, Vieira IP, Clausell N, Bertinato GP, Machado-Júnior PAB, Berro PG, Moura LAZ, Tsang T. Handheld Echocardiography in a Clinical Practice Scenario: Concordances Compared to Standard Echocardiographic Reports. J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 30:25-34. [PMID: 35086166 PMCID: PMC8792719 DOI: 10.4250/jcvi.2020.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of a handheld device (HH) used during common daily practice and its agreement with the results of a standard echocardiography study (STD) performed by experienced sonographers and echocardiographer. METHODS A prospective follow-up was conducted in an adult outpatient echocardiography clinic. Experienced sonographers performed the STD and an experienced echocardiographer performed the HH. STD included 2-dimensional images, Doppler and hemodynamics analysis. Hemodynamic assessment was not performed with the HH device because the HH does not include such technology. The images were interpreted by blinded echocardiographers, and the agreement between the reports was analyzed. RESULTS A total of 108 patients were included; and the concordance for left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index, LV and right ventricle (RV) function, RV size, and mitral and aortic stenosis was excellent with κ values greater than 0.80. Wall motion abnormalities had good concordance (κ value 0.78). The agreement for LV hypertrophy, mitral and aortic regurgitation was moderate, and tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation agreements were low (κ values of 0.26 and 0.25, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In a daily practice scenario with experienced hands, HH demonstrated good correlation for most echocardiography indications, such as ventricular size and function assessment and stenosis valve lesion analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gavazzoni Blume
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pontificial Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nadine Clausell
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giovana Paludo Bertinato
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pontificial Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Goulart Berro
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pontificial Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Lidia Ana Zytynski Moura
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pontificial Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Teresa Tsang
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Filipiak-Strzecka D, Kasprzak JD, Wejner-Mik P, Szymczyk E, Wdowiak-Okrojek K, Lipiec P. Artificial Intelligence-Powered Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Using a Handheld Ultrasound Device. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:1120-1125. [PMID: 33451814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an algorithm for automated measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) available on handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs). One hundred twelve patients admitted to the cardiology department underwent assessment performed with an HUD. In each case, the four-chamber apical view was obtained, and LVEF was calculated with LVivo software. Subsequently, during the examination performed with the use of the stationary echocardiograph, the 3-D measurement of LVEF was recorded. The average LVEFs measured with LVivo and the 3-D reference method were 46 ± 14% and 48 ± 14%, respectively. The correlation between the measurements obtained with the HUD and 3-D evaluation was high (r = 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.95, p < 0.0001). The mean difference between the LVEF obtained with LVivo and the 3-D LVEF was not significant (mean difference: -0.61%, 95% confidence interval: -1.89 to 0.68, p = 0.31). The LVivo software despite its limitations is capable of the accurate LVEF measurement when the acquired views are of at least good imaging quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jarosław D Kasprzak
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Bieganski Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Wejner-Mik
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Bieganski Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Szymczyk
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Bieganski Hospital, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Lipiec
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Bieganski Hospital, Lodz, Poland
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Koster G, Kaufmann T, Hiemstra B, Wiersema R, Vos ME, Dijkhuizen D, Wong A, Scheeren TWL, Hummel YM, Keus F, van der Horst ICC. Feasibility of cardiac output measurements in critically ill patients by medical students. Ultrasound J 2020; 12:1. [PMID: 31912438 PMCID: PMC6946766 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-020-0152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) is increasingly applied also in the intensive care unit (ICU) and performed by non-experts, including even medical students. There is limited data on the training efforts necessary for novices to attain images of sufficient quality. There is no data on medical students performing CCUS for the measurement of cardiac output (CO), a hemodynamic variable of importance for daily critical care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the agreement of cardiac output measurements as well as the quality of images obtained by medical students in critically ill patients compared to the measurements obtained by experts in these images. METHODS In a prospective observational cohort study, all acutely admitted adults with an expected ICU stay over 24 h were included. CCUS was performed by students within 24 h of admission. CCUS included the images required to measure the CO, i.e., the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and the velocity time integral (VTI) in the LVOT. Echocardiography experts were involved in the evaluation of the quality of images obtained and the quality of the CO measurements. RESULTS There was an opportunity for a CCUS attempt in 1155 of the 1212 eligible patients (95%) and in 1075 of the 1212 patients (89%) CCUS examination was performed by medical students. In 871 out of 1075 patients (81%) medical students measured CO. Experts measured CO in 783 patients (73%). In 760 patients (71%) CO was measured by both which allowed for comparison; bias of CO was 0.0 L min-1 with limits of agreement of - 2.6 L min-1 to 2.7 L min-1. The percentage error was 50%, reflecting poor agreement of the CO measurement by students compared with the experts CO measurement. CONCLUSIONS Medical students seem capable of obtaining sufficient quality CCUS images for CO measurement in the majority of critically ill patients. Measurements of CO by medical students, however, had poor agreement with expert measurements. Experts remain indispensable for reliable CO measurements. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; registration number NCT02912624.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Koster
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kaufmann
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Hiemstra
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Wiersema
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon E. Vos
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Devon Dijkhuizen
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Wong
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, UK
| | - Thomas W. L. Scheeren
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yoran M. Hummel
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Keus
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan C. C. van der Horst
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, Maastricht University Medical Center+, University Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Khoury M, Fotsing S, Jalali A, Chagnon N, Malherbe S, Youssef N. Preclerkship Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition and Clinical Transferability. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2020; 7:2382120520943615. [PMID: 32754649 PMCID: PMC7378712 DOI: 10.1177/2382120520943615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in preclerkship medical education is currently popular and based on the notion that POCUS may improve diagnostic and procedural skills in medical students. However, empirical evidence demonstrating that POCUS can enhance clinical skills in preclerkship students has been lacking. We sought to evaluate anatomical sonographic knowledge and ultrasound generation capabilities associated with the implementation of a 3-h echocardiography training camp led by 2 emergency physicians and using a flipped classroom design. METHODS Preclerkship students from the University of Ottawa (n = 32) were recruited to participate. A flipped classroom model was adopted, providing students with a 3-chaptered peer-designed, expert validated ultrasound manual before the workshop, to maximize scanning times (2 h of reading). A pretest Likert-type design was used to assess student perception of the ultrasound tool. Similarly, a pretest/post-test model was used to assess sonographic anatomical identification. In addition, a subsequent Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test was done 3 weeks after the hands-on session, to evaluate image generation (4 cardiac views: parasternal long, parasternal short, subxiphoid, and apical 4 chambers), understanding of knobology and structural labeling. RESULTS For the sonographic anatomy, there was a statistically significant increase (P < .001) between pretest (average = 12.12) and post-test (average = 18.85). The OSCE, which also ascertained knowledge retention, found that 81% of students were able to generate all 4 cardiac views perfectly, 6% were able to obtain 3 views, 10% obtained 2 views and 3% successfully generated a single view. The most challenging scan to generate was the apical 4-chamber view. CONCLUSION The positive outcomes stemming from this study reinforces the notion that formal curricular integration of POCUS at the preclerkship level has tangible benefits for medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Khoury
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Affaires Francophones, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Salomon Fotsing
- Affaires Francophones, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alireza Jalali
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chagnon
- Department of Emergency Medicine,
Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nermine Youssef
- Faculty of Medicine, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Affaires Francophones, University of
Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hüppe T, Groesdonk HV, Volk T, Wagenpfeil S, Wallrich B. Image quality to estimate ventricular ejection fraction by last year medical students improves after short courses of training. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2019; 19:385. [PMID: 31640642 PMCID: PMC6805468 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for diagnosing cardiac conditions but medical education in this field is limited. We tested the hypothesis that a structured theoretical and supervised practical course of training in focused echocardiography in last year medical students results in a more accurate assessment and more precise calculation of left ventricular ejection fraction after ten patient examinations. METHODS After a theoretical introduction course 25 last year medical students performed ten transthoracic echocardiographic examination blocks in postsurgical patients. Left ventricular function was evaluated both with an eye-balling method and with the calculated ejection fraction using diameter and area of left ventricles. Each examination block was controlled by a certified and blinded tutor. Bias and precision of measurements were assessed with Bland and Altman method. RESULTS Using the eye-balling method students agreed with the tutor's findings both at the beginning (88%) but more at the end of the course (95.7%). The variation between student and tutor for calculation of area, diameter and ejection fraction, respectively, was significantly lower in examination block 10 than in examination block 1 (each p < 0.001). Students underestimated both the length and the area of the left ventricle at the outset, as complete imaging of the left heart in the ultrasound sector was initially unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS A structured theoretical and practical transthoracic echocardiography course of training for last year medical students provides a clear and measurable learning experience in assessing and measuring left ventricular function. At least 14 examination blocks are necessary to achieve 90% agreement of correct determination of the ejection fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hüppe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University, Medical Center, Kirrberger Straße 100, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | | | - Thomas Volk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University, Medical Center, Kirrberger Straße 100, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Stefan Wagenpfeil
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Benedict Wallrich
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Saarland University, Medical Center, Kirrberger Straße 100, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
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Mancusi C, Carlino MV, Sforza A. Point-of-care ultrasound with pocket-size devices in emergency department. Echocardiography 2019; 36:1755-1764. [PMID: 31393640 DOI: 10.1111/echo.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound is a useful tool for clinicians in the management of patients. Particularly in emergency department, the role of point-of-care ultrasound is strongly increasing due to the need for a rapid assessment of critically ill patients and to speed up the diagnostic process. Hand-carried ultrasound devices are particularly useful in emergency setting and allow rapid assessment of patient even in prehospital setting. This article will review the role of point-of-care ultrasonography, performed with pocket-size devices, in the management of patients presenting with acute onset of undifferentiating dyspnea, chest pain, and shock in emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Mancusi
- Hypertension Research Center, Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
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11
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Cardim N, Dalen H, Voigt JU, Ionescu A, Price S, Neskovic AN, Edvardsen T, Galderisi M, Sicari R, Donal E, Stefanidis A, Delgado V, Zamorano J, Popescu BA. The use of handheld ultrasound devices: a position statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (2018 update). Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 20:245-252. [PMID: 30351358 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jey145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in echocardiography, with progressive miniaturization of ultrasound machines, have led to the development of handheld ultrasound devices (HUD). These devices, no larger than some mobile phones, can be used to perform partial, focused exams as an extension to the physical examination. The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) acknowledges that the dissemination of appropriate HUD use is inevitable and desirable, because of its potential impact on patient management. However, as a scientific society of cardiac imaging, our role is to provide guidance in order to optimize patient benefit and minimize drawbacks from inappropriate use of this technology. This document provides updated recommendations for the use of HUD, including nomenclature, appropriateness, indications, operators, clinical environments, data management and storage, educational needs, and training of potential users. It also addresses gaps in evidence, controversial issues, and future technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Cardim
- Cardiology Department, Hospital da Luz, Av. Lusíada, n° 100, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade Ciências Médicas da Universidade nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Havard Dalen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Cardiology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
| | - Jens-Uwe Voigt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Ionescu
- Morriston Cardiac Regional Centre, ABMU LHB, Swansea, UK
| | - Susanna Price
- Adult Intensive Care Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Sydney Street, London, UK
| | - Alexsandar N Neskovic
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, Vukova 9, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maurizio Galderisi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, VIa S. Pansini 5, Napples, Italy
| | - Rosa Sicari
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erwan Donal
- Service de Cardiologie et CIC-IT INSERM 1414, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes, France.,LTSI, Université de Rennes 1, INSERM, UMR, Rennes, France
| | | | - Victoria Delgado
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jose Zamorano
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo, km. 9, 100, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bogdan A Popescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Euroecolab, Institute of cardiovascular diseases "Prof. Dr. C C Iliescu, Bucharest, Romania
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12
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Personal mobile device-based pocket echocardiograph-The diagnostic value and clinical utility. Adv Med Sci 2019; 64:157-161. [PMID: 30685734 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A microUSB ultrasound probe, which can be connected to a personal mobile device constitutes a new class of diagnostic pocket-size imaging devices (PSID). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and diagnostic value of brief transthoracic echocardiographic examination (bTTE) performed with the use of such equipment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population comprised 87 consecutive patients (58 men, mean age 61 ± 16 years), 53 of whom were admitted to intensive cardiac care unit and 34 patients, who were referred for transthoracic echocardiography from outpatient clinic. All patients underwent bTTE performed by cardiologist with the use of personal mobile device-based PSID. Within 18 h of bTTE all subjects underwent a standard TTE (sTTE) using a full sized echocardiograph by expert echocardiographer. RESULTS In all patients, PSID imaging provided sufficient diagnostic image quality. Echocardiographic measurements were completed for both bTTE and sTTE in 98% of patients. The linear measurements obtained during bTTE showed good to excellent correlation with sTTE results (r = 0.65-0.98; p < 0.001). The agreement in detection of various pathologies between the bTTE and sTTE examination was very good (k = 0.62-0.97; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Personal mobile device-based PSID allows for performing bTTE. The diagnostic value of such PSID in basic assessment of cardiac morphology and function as compared to standard echocardiography is very good.
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Galusko V, Bodger O, Ionescu A. A systematic review of pocket-sized imaging devices: small and mighty? Echo Res Pract 2018; 5:113-138. [PMID: 30304538 PMCID: PMC6198255 DOI: 10.1530/erp-18-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hand-held imaging devices are widely used in clinical practice and are a useful tool. There is no published review examining the diagnostic parameters achieved with these devices in clinical practice. Methods We searched three online medical literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE) for all literature published up until January 2018. We selected studies that (1) were conducted in the adult population; (2) used a truly hand-held device; (3) featured sensitivities and/or specificities on the use of the hand-held scanner. We extracted and summarised the diagnostic metrics from the literature. Results Twenty-seven articles were excluded from the initial 56 relevant articles, as the device featured was not truly hand-held. Ultimately a total of 25 studies were analysed. Sixteen studies were carried out by experienced users, seven by users with little previous experience and two studies by nurses. High diagnostic parameters were achieved by all three groups when scanning cardiac pathology and intra-abdominal structures. Training of non-expert users varied, taking a mean of 21.6 h. These hand-held devices can change diagnoses at the bedside and be used as gate-keepers to formal echocardiography. Individual studies show them to be cost-effective. Conclusion Hand-held echocardiography is a useful tool in the hands of experts and novices alike. Studies conducted are highly heterogeneous making it difficult to pool data for the diagnostic metrics. Further studies with rigorous methodology are needed to evaluate the true diagnostic potential in the hands of non-experts and in the community as well as to validate training protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Galusko
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Owen Bodger
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Ionescu
- Morriston Cardiac Regional Centre, ABMU LHB, Swansea, UK
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14
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Johri AM, Durbin J, Newbigging J, Tanzola R, Chow R, De S, Tam J. Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound: State-of-the-Art in Medical School Education. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2018; 31:749-760. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Dversdal RK, Piro KM, LoPresti CM, Northcutt NM, Schnobrich DJ. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Inpatient Setting: A Tale of Four Patients. South Med J 2018; 111:382-388. [DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000000837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Brief cardiovascular imaging with pocket-size ultrasound devices improves the accuracy of the initial assessment of suspected pulmonary embolism. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 34:1595-1605. [PMID: 29850969 PMCID: PMC6182431 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-018-1382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism onset is frequently neglected due to the non-specific character of its symptoms. Pocket-size imaging devices (PSID) present an opportunity to implement imaging diagnostics into conventional physical examination. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that supplementation of the initial bedside assessment of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) with four-point compression venous ultrasonography (CUS) and right ventricular size assessment with the use of PSID equipped with dual probe could positively influence the accuracy of clinical predictions. A single-centre, prospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients (47 men, mean age 68 ± 13 years) with suspected PE. Clinical assessment on the basis of Wells and revised Geneva score and physical examination were supplemented with CUS and RV measurements by PSID. The mean time of PSID scanning was 4.9 ± 0.8 min and was universally accepted by the patients. Fifteen patients had deep venous thrombosis and RV enlargement was observed in 59 patients. PE was confirmed in 24 patients. If the both CUS was positive and RV enlarged, the specificity was 100% and sensitivity 54%, ROC AUC 0.771 [95% CI 0.68-0.85]. The Wells rule within our study population had the specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 67%, ROC AUC 0.776 (95% CI 0.681-0.853, p < 0.0001). Similar values calculated for the revised Geneva score were as follows: specificity 58% and sensitivity 63%, ROC AUC 0.664 (95% CI 0.563-0.756, p = 0.0104). Supplementing the revised Geneva score with additional criteria of CUS result and RV measurement resulted in significant improvement of diagnostic accuracy. The difference between ROC AUCs was 0.199 (95% Cl 0.0893-0.308, p = 0.0004). Similar modification of Wells score increased ROC AUC by 0.133 (95% CI 0.0443-0.223, p = 0.0034). Despite the well-acknowledged role of the PE clinical risk assessment scores the diagnostic process may benefit from the addition of basic bedside ultrasonographic techniques.
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Tarique U, Tang B, Singh M, Kulasegaram KM, Ailon J. Ultrasound Curricula in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2018; 37:69-82. [PMID: 28748549 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The clinical applications of point-of-care ultrasound (US) have expanded rapidly over the past decade. To promote early exposure to point-of-care US, there is widespread support for the integration of US curricula within undergraduate medical education. However, despite growing evidence and enthusiasm for point-of-care US education in undergraduate medical education, the curricular design and delivery across undergraduate medical education programs remain variable without widely adopted national standards and guidelines. This article highlights the educational and teaching applications of point-of-care US with a focus on outcomes. We then review the evidence on curricular design, delivery, and integration and the assessment of competency for point-of-care US in undergraduate medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Tarique
- Faculty of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Tang
- Faculty of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manni Singh
- Faculty of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kulamakan Mahan Kulasegaram
- Faculty of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Wilson Center and Undergraduate Medical Education, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Ailon
- Faculty of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Palliative Care, Saint Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Point-of-care B-type natriuretic peptide and portable echocardiography for assessment of patients with suspected heart failure in primary care: rationale and design of the three-part Handheld-BNP program and results of the training study. Clin Res Cardiol 2017; 107:95-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-017-1181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Galusko V, Khanji MY, Bodger O, Weston C, Chambers J, Ionescu A. Hand-held Ultrasound Scanners in Medical Education: A Systematic Review. J Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2017; 25:75-83. [PMID: 29093769 PMCID: PMC5658292 DOI: 10.4250/jcu.2017.25.3.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound imaging devices are becoming popular in clinical and teaching settings, but there is no systematic information on their use in medical education. We conducted a systematic review of hand-held ultrasound (HHU) devices in undergraduate medical education to delineate their role, significance, and limitations. Methods We searched Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Medline using the strategy: [(Hand-held OR Portable OR Pocket OR "Point of Care Systems") AND Ultrasound] AND (Education OR Training OR Undergraduate OR "Medical Students" OR "Medical School"). We retained 12 articles focusing on undergraduate medical education. We summarised the patterns of HHU use, pooled and estimated sensitivity, and specificity of HHU for detection of left ventricular dysfunction. Results Features reported were heterogeneous: training time (1-25 hours), number of students involved (1-an entire cohort), number of subjects scanned (27-211), and type of learning (self-directed vs. traditional lectures + hands-on sessions). Most studies reported cardiac HHU examinations, but other anatomical areas were examined, e.g. abdomen and thyroid. Pooled sensitivity 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.92] and specificity 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.90) were high for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction by students. Conclusion Data on HHU devices in medical education are scarce and incomplete, but following training students can achieve high diagnostic accuracy, albeit in a limited number of (mainly cardiac) pathologies. There is no consensus on protocols best-suited to the educational needs of medical students, nor data on long-term impact, decay in proficiency or on the financial implications of deploying HHU in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Galusko
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Owen Bodger
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Clive Weston
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Adrian Ionescu
- Morriston Cardiac Regional Centre, ABMU LHB, Swansea, UK
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20
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Kobal SL, Lior Y, Ben-Sasson A, Liel-Cohen N, Galante O, Fuchs L. The feasibility and efficacy of implementing a focused cardiac ultrasound course into a medical school curriculum. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2017; 17:94. [PMID: 28558692 PMCID: PMC5450418 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-017-0928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teaching cardiac ultrasound to medical students in a brief course is a challenge. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of teaching large groups of medical students the acquisition and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound images using a pocket ultrasound device (PUD) in a short, specially designed course. METHODS Thirty-one medical students in their first clinical year participated in the study. All were novices in the use of cardiac ultrasound. The training consisted of 4 hours of frontal lectures and 4 hours of hands-on training. Students were encouraged to use PUD for individual practice. Finally, the students' proficiency in the acquisition of ultrasound images and their ability to recognize normal and pathological states were evaluated. RESULTS Sixteen of 27 (59%) students were able to demonstrate all main ultrasound views (parasternal, apical, and subcostal views) in a six-minute test. The most obtainable view was the parasternal long-axis view (89%) and the least obtainable was the subcostal view (58%). Ninety-seven percent of students correctly differentiated normal from severely reduced left ventricular function, 100% correctly differentiated a normal right ventricle from a severely hypokinetic one, 100% correctly differentiated a normal mitral valve from a rheumatic one, and 88% correctly differentiated a normal aortic valve from a calcified one, while 95% of them correctly identified the presence of pericardial effusion. CONCLUSIONS Training of medical students in cardiac ultrasound during the first clinical year using a short, focused course is feasible and enables students with modest ability to acquire the main transthoracic ultrasound views and gain proficiency in the diagnosis of a limited number of cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio L Kobal
- Cardiology Department, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Yotam Lior
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alon Ben-Sasson
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noah Liel-Cohen
- Cardiology Department, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ori Galante
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, all at Soroka University Medical Center and The Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lior Fuchs
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, all at Soroka University Medical Center and The Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Lo MH, Huang CF, Lin IC, Lin YJ, Kuo HC, Hsieh KS. Clinical utility and diagnostic accuracy of palm-held, mini-sized ultrasonocardiographic scanner in congenital heart disease. J Formos Med Assoc 2017; 117:141-146. [PMID: 28404481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To investigate whether a palm-held ultrasonocardiographic scanner would be useful for screening and follow-up in congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the echocardiographic images from June 1, 2014 to November 1, 2014. All patients underwent two ultrasonographic examinations including palm-held scanner examination and standard echocardiography. To compare the quality of the two instruments, we developed a diagnostic scoring system ranging from 1 point to 10 points, with 10 points indicating the best quality. Two experienced echocardiographers retrospectively reviewed all recorded images blindedly and gave each examination a score. Comparisons of diagnostic score between two equipments were performed. RESULTS A total of 262 patients' images were reviewed. All cardiac lesions could be detected with both instruments. The mean diagnostic score of palm-held scanner and standard echocardiography were 8.20±0.53 versus 9.64±0.37 (p<0.05) in color image and 7.00±1.05 versus 8.56±1.14 (p<0.05) in gray-scale two-dimensional image, respectively. When we compared the score between the two instruments in individual CHDs, we found standard echocardiography had better quality except for detecting muscular ventricular septal defect and pulmonary regurgitation. CONCLUSION The diagnostic sensitivity of palm-held scanner in detecting CHD was very good. Despite both instruments having a high diagnostic score in detecting CHD, standard echocardiography had better quality. Traditional echocardiography is still the standard tool for CHD evaluation. However, the palm-held scanner can support physical examination for initial screening and follow-up, and offer cardiologists an opportunity to visualize and listen to the heart at any time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Hung Lo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Fu Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Chun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jui Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Sheng Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Filipiak-Strzecka D, Kasprzak JD, Szymczyk E, Wejner-Mik P, Lipiec P. Bedside screening with the use of pocket-size imaging device can be useful for ruling out carotid artery stenosis in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Echocardiography 2017; 34:716-722. [PMID: 28299809 DOI: 10.1111/echo.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients (pts) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting, burdened with high risk of carotid stenosis, are recommended to undergo duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of carotid arteries. PURPOSE To validate pocket-size imaging device (PSID) equipped with linear probe as an easily accessible tool enabling bedside screening for carotid artery stenosis (CAS). METHODS A total of 100 pts (60 men, mean age 69±11 years) with multivessel coronary artery disease underwent bedside DUS of carotid arteries with the use of PSID performed by a cardiology resident trained in DUS. Subsequently, DUS with the use of stationary high-end ultrasound system was performed in all pts to verify findings of PSID examination. RESULTS Initial diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaque presence obtained with PSID in 59 patients was confirmed by high-end ultrasound system examination in all cases. There was a statistically significant correlation of intima-media thickness measurements between PSID and stationary system (r=.58; 95% CI: 0.48-0.66; P<.0001), but the coefficient of agreement (κ) between the two methods in classification of intima-media as normal or thickened (>0.9 mm) was only .38 (95% CI: 0.299-0.459). During PSID examination, turbulent flow was observed in 21 pts-CAS was confirmed in all these pts-5 pts were diagnosed with significant CAS, the rest with CAS ranging from 30% to 70%. CONCLUSIONS Pocket-size imaging device equipped with linear probe allows for identification of patients with atherosclerotic plaques and turbulent flow in carotid arteries; however, the degree of CAS cannot be reliably determined. The measurement accuracy of intima-media thickness is insufficient for a diagnostic purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jarosław D Kasprzak
- Department of Cardiology, Bieganski Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Szymczyk
- Department of Cardiology, Bieganski Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Wejner-Mik
- Department of Cardiology, Bieganski Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Lipiec
- Department of Cardiology, Bieganski Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Seraphim A, Paschou SA, Grapsa J, Nihoyannopoulos P. Pocket-Sized Echocardiography Devices: One Stop Shop Service? J Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2016; 24:1-6. [PMID: 27081437 PMCID: PMC4828408 DOI: 10.4250/jcu.2016.24.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of portable, pocket-sized echocardiography devices in various healthcare systems has raised new questions with regards to their realistic use in clinical practice. Several studies have already attempted to provide information regarding their safety and diagnostic potential, the training required to operate them, as well as their direct comparison with standard echocardiography machines. This manuscript is a review of the literature of the documents or position papers which employ the use of pocket or handheld devices. Following review of the literature, we suggest that these miniaturized devices can provide a valuable diagnostic tool that can complement and improve the diagnostic yield of clinical examination. When operated by appropriately trained professionals, they can provide a limited but very reliable echocardiographic assessment. Pocket-sized echocardiography is a part of physical examination and should not be considered a complete echocardiographic scan. Optimal training is required for the smooth operation of handheld echocardiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Seraphim
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Royal Brompton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Grapsa
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Royal Brompton, London, United Kingdom.; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Petros Nihoyannopoulos
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
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Brief Group Training of Medical Students in Focused Cardiac Ultrasound May Improve Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014; 27:1238-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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