The Nuts and Bolts of Performing Focused Cardiovascular Ultrasound (FoCUS)

Anesth Analg. 2017 Mar;124(3):753-760. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001861.

Abstract

The benefit of focused cardiovascular ultrasound as an adjunct to physical examination has been shown in numerous specialties and in diverse clinical settings. Although the value of these techniques to the practice of anesthesiology is substantial, they have only begun to be incorporated. This article reviews the basic techniques required to perform a bedside focused cardiovascular ultrasound (ie, FoCUS examination). This includes a discussion of patient positioning, breath control, probe position, and manipulation and was supplemented by normal and abnormal examples for review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Perioperative Care / instrumentation
  • Perioperative Care / methods*
  • Physical Examination / instrumentation
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • Ultrasonography / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonography / methods*