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 care 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 X-Porte Ultrasound System Sonosite X-Porte features outstanding image quality, advanced cardiac calculations, and includes educational modules that are built in to the machine, so that you can learn additional ultrasound scans as you work. Durable glass-covered system is outstandingly easy to clean.
- Sonosite PX Ultrasound System Sonosite PX offers our most advanced image clarity for confidence when diagnosing patients. The new interface combines touch and physical controls for improved efficiency, while the adaptable horizontal-to-vertical work surface allows for optimal bedside ergonomics.
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