The importance of using mobile ultrasound devices in improving the quality and safety of emergency care, anesthesia and intensive care

Abstract

The aim of this review is to determine the role of ultrasound visualization in improving the safety and quality of anesthesia, intensive care and emergency medical care. The article explores the role of ultrasound imaging in improving the quality and safety of diagnostics, analgesia, and intensive care, particularly in emergency conditions. The authors emphasize the importance of using portable ultrasound devices that enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable bedside or prehospital procedures. The study highlights the significance of ultrasound protocols, such as POCUS, FAST, eFAST, LUCI, and others which standardize diagnostics and invasive interventions. These protocols have proven to be effective in diagnosing shock states, pneumothorax, internal organ injuries, and critical complications. Ultrasound is also widely used to improve the safety of invasive procedures like central venous catheterization, regional nerve blocks, and epidural anesthesia. In children, ultrasound helps to reduce the number of complications during procedures due to its high accuracy of visualization. The authors point out that ultrasound is an important tool for monitoring the condition of patients with respiratory and heart failure, allowing for the prompt detection of pathological changes in the lungs and heart. In addition, the use of ultrasound examination significantly reduces the radiation exposure compared to X-rays and computerized tomography scans. Despite significant progress, there are limitations related to the anatomical features of patients, the difficulty of finding acoustic windows, and the need for specialized training of doctors. Future developments include further standardization of protocols, improvement of ultrasound device capabilities, and the creation of international training programs. Conclusions. Ultrasound visualization improves the quality of diagnosis, anesthesia and intensive care, significantly increases the accuracy and safety of invasive procedures. Using ultrasonic visualization methods can be problematic in cases where it is difficult to find an acoustic window. Further expansion of the use of the POCUS concept and integration of ultrasound into life support algorithms are related to the development of available compact, highly sensitive ultrasound devices suitable for prehospital diagnostics.

Keywords

• ultrasonography
• anesthesiology
• analgesia
• intensive care
• invasive manipulations
• emergency conditions