The portable echocardiographic device-a toy or an irreplaceable helper?
- III. interní-kardiologická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady a 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Česká republika
The advances in technology have made it possible to develop portable ultrasound devices. These battery-powered devices weighing 2-3 kg thus make a major addition to the arsenal of ultrasound devices intended for use in medical practice. Although the portable ultrasound device (PUD) does not make it possible to perform a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment, its technical features do allow making more than just guidance assessment. The PUD significantly increases the availability of ultrasound-based diagnosis, especially in patients with acute cardiovascular disease and, particularly, in the initial stage of their assessment. PUD use may often help make the differential diagnostic procedure more specific. The purpose of the article was to provide information on the potential and advantages of the PUD and to share practical experience with its use.
Keywords: Portable ultrasound device; Cardiovascular disease; Differential diagnosis
Published: April 1, 2005 Show citation