Expanding Ultrasound
Ultrasound technologies have been utilized in the medical field for over 60 years, and still the general understanding of their use and function is focused in the field of obstetrics. Along with visualizing an image of an early stage pregnancy, we picture a large machine, alone in a room, that captures images while a technician files them away to later be reviewed by a radiologist. What the general population may not be aware of, is that ultrasound technologies have created inroads into other areas of focus and diagnosis. And with technology, ultrasound devices have become portable, less expensive than other imaging devices, highly accurate in experienced hands, and can potentially improve the patients experience, satisfaction and life expectancy. It remains one of the safest monitoring and diagnostic tools available, as there is no use of ionizing radiation, and it is minimally invasive. This is why medical professionals have chosen ultrasound as an invaluable tool in so many fields.
- Obstetrics / First Trimester
Monitoring fetal growth during pregnancy remains a critical use of ultrasound. It is often used to identify pregnancy itself in these early stages, along with other monitoring practices that can be critical to the health of the pregnancy and the mother; including, fetal cardiac activity, low lying placenta, fetal age, and large fetal abnormalities.
2. Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur when there is a blood clot within one or more of the deep veins, usually within the lower half of the body. The clot can become dislodged, traveling through the veins towards the lungs. Both DVT and PE are common causes of preventable death, and can easily be diagnosed with ultrasound.
3. Abnormal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An abnormal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlarged area of the aorta. The aorta runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen. As the largest blood vessel in the body, a ruptured AAA can cause life-threatening bleeding, and depending on the size of the rupture, treatment can vary from heavy monitoring to emergency surgery. Using ultrasound and with timely intervention, patient mortality rates can be significantly reduced.
4. Cardiac
With ultrasound, medical professionals and physicians can evaluate cardiac function, chamber size, valve function, pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, all in a timely and efficient manner.
5. Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Soft Tissue
The musculoskeletal (MSK) system is comprised of our tendons and ligaments, muscles, joints and bones. Ultrasound gives providers the ability to monitor MSK and soft tissue and identify abscesses, muscular tear and other common pathologies, should they occur. A skilled professional can also identify tendonitis, tendon ruptures and joint effusion.
6. Renal / Genitourinary
The body’s renal system is designed to eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. Ultrasound can help medical professionals identify hydronephrosis, as well as renal and bladder stones and masses.
7. Lung
The respiratory system, of which the primary organs are the lungs, is responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
Using ultrasound to evaluate the lungs can help identify if a patient is suffering from congestive heart failure or COPD, and help diagnose pneumothorax, pleural effusion and pneumonia.
8. Hepatobiliary / Spleen
Hepatobiliary is the area having to do with the liver and gallbladder. Ultrasound can help diagnose gallstones, acute cholecystitis, liver mass and fatty liver as well as cirrhosis and hepatomegaly.
The field of ultrasound has provided the medical community with the opportunity to perform countless diagnostics on patients. As image qualities improve, and tools continue to become more mobile, patient care can continue to grow beyond traditional walls, and into the communities and areas where patients are most in need.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
https://www.pocus.org/start-your-pocus-journey/abdominal-trauma-pocus-certificate/
