Why Anesthesiologists Must Incorporate Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Into Daily Practice

Anesth Analg. 2017 Mar;124(3):761-765. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001854.

Abstract

The size, availability, cost, and quality of modern ultrasound devices have, for the first time in modern medicine, enabled point-of-care ultrasound by the noncardiologist physician. The appropriate application of focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) by anesthesiologists has the potential to alter management and affect outcomes for a wide range of patients. In this article, the indications, benefits, and limitations of FoCUS are described. The training and equipment required to perform FoCUS are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesiologists / education*
  • Anesthesiologists / trends
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Physician's Role*
  • Point-of-Care Systems* / trends
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Ultrasonography / trends