Handheld Echocardiography For Critical Care. Transthoracic TTE and transesophageal TEE echocardiography are important investigations for many patients in the intensive care unit ICU to diagnose acute cardiac pathologies and assess the haemodynamic status 1. HHE can help assess chamber size ventricular function and presence of fluid collections and thus is useful in determining etiology of shock and measuring volume status. Hand-held echocardiography HHE is being explored for use in the intensive care arena as an extension of the physical examination for real time and iterative information. It allows the intensivist to categorize shock state and to determine the appropriateness of rapid volume resuscitation.
Numerous investigations in intensive care have shown its merit being efficacious and safe. These hand-held ultrasound units are. Key wordsHandheld Echocardiography Critical Care Emergency Training Article TypeInvited Review Word Count1470 References. Transthoracic TTE and transesophageal TEE echocardiography are important investigations for many patients in the intensive care unit ICU to diagnose acute cardiac pathologies and assess the haemodynamic status 1. Handheld or hand-carried ultrasound HCU devices are small light battery powered less expensive systems with good 2D imaging quality and full Doppler capabilities often with digital and wireless communication some with stress and TEE options. Critical care echocardiography CCE is its own specialty with three competence levels.
Numerous investigations in intensive care have shown its merit being efficacious and safe.
Basic advanced and expert. Critical care echocardiography CCE is performed and interpreted by the intensivist at the bedside to help in the diagnostic work-up and to guide therapy for patients with acute circulatory and respiratory failure. Handheld or hand-carried ultrasound HCU devices are small light battery powered less expensive systems with good 2D imaging quality and full Doppler capabilities often with digital and wireless communication some with stress and TEE options. Transthoracic TTE and transesophageal TEE echocardiography are important investigations for many patients in the intensive care unit ICU to diagnose acute cardiac pathologies and assess the haemodynamic status 1. Echocardiography is a powerful diagnostic and monitoring tool of cardiac performance cardiac pathology and extracardiac intrathoracic abnormalities. This is followed by a review of Doppler principles including pulsed wave continuous wave and color flow Doppler.