The role of the anesthesiologist is evolving. With hospitals seeking innovative ways to streamline patient care and improve outcomes, anesthesiologists are increasingly expected to provide patient care beyond general anesthesia and nerve blocks. Perioperative Medicine extends past the operating room and well into recovery. Anesthesiologists are taking on new roles before, during, and after surgery.
Anesthesiologists are learning new skills, like diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound. Using POCUS to scan perioperative patients for unknown conditions or complications is actually a time-saving measure that can significantly improve patient outcomes and shorten hospital length of stay.
Common perioperative ultrasound applications include:
- Hemodynamic monitoring & volume status management
- Identification of pericardial effusion or tamponade
- Detection of cardiopulmonary pathology including pneumothorax
- ET Tube Placement/airway management
- Focused Assessment of Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE exam)
- Assessment of gastric contents
- Evaluation of hemodynamic instability (FAST exam)
The following is a list of Sonosite ultrasound machines designed with the anesthesiologist in mind:
- Sonosite Edge II Ultrasound System Edge II is a rugged, reliable, premium compact ultrasound system which is easy to use with outstanding image quality.
- Sonosite SII Ultrasound System SII is a ready to go, sleek smart ultrasound system with intuitive touch screen interface, dual probe connector and provides excellent imaging experience.
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