Uses of ultrasound in anaesthesia

Imaging vessels for safe cannulation (SonoSite) Locate pleural effusions and to guide taps Locating vessels anterior to the trachea prior to tracheotomy Guidance for nerve block procedures Transoesophageal echo may be used perioperatively to aid fluid management, detect air embolism and monitor valvular function during cardiac surgery  Oesophageal Doppler There is research into the use of ultrasound to locate the epidural space   Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography
Women's healthcare Visualise the morphology of pelvic organs Identify fetal anomalies Detect three-vessel umbilical cord Determine fetal heart rate Define hormonal status Define the status of ovulation and identify pregnancy Avoid unnecessary surgical diagnostic procedures Assess and biopsy suspicious breast masses Identify cause of abnormal bleeding Assess amniotic fluid levels Confirm fetal age and delivery date Pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler provides quantitative analysis of fetal vessels, maternal vessels or umbilical cord

Cardiovascular

Clinically proven diagnostic quality comparable to large cart-based systems
Accurately assess intracardiac blood flow with continuous-wave (CW) and PW Doppler
High-resolution 2D-imaging for rapid assessment of cardiac structure and function
Literally possible to carry your ultrasound system anywhere -- from office to hospital, between satellite offices or to multiple locations for mobile services
Small size fits into cramped patient rooms or small office space
Ergonomic design
Vascular and paediatric imaging capabilities
Comprehensive cardiac and vascular calculation packages for quantitative evaluations

Surgery

Localise anatomical structures and pathology to guide biopsies and interventional procedures
Confirm location of pathology prior to incision and completion of procedure prior to closure
Monitor status and progress of interventions
Determine extent of pathology and anatomical involvement to guide excision
The patient can be re-scanned to answer clinical questions or guide procedures in surgery, in the recovery room or in a critical care setting
Identify free fluid in the abdomen or pericardia

Emergency medicine Rapid triage and assessment of trauma (FAST) Detection and assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms Visualisation of abdominal fluid collection Evaluation of pericardial or pleural effusions and tamponade Immediate assessment of pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding Fast, easy emergency obstetric examinations (intrauterine pregnancy, fetal viability) Rapid evaluation of acute abdominal pain (kidney, cholelithiasis)

Radiology and general imaging Rapid delivery of ultrasound to immobile patients Identify and treat problems earlier with answers on the spot Offers a portable solution for interventional procedures Eliminates the transport of heavy cart-based ultrasound systems