Ultrasound GEL

The podcast discusses the comparison between supraclavicular and infraclavicular approaches for ultrasound-guided subclavian venous catheterization. It includes experiences, opinions, a study on complication rates, and the importance of using ultrasound guidance. A study comparing two techniques for subclavian lines is also discussed, focusing on safety, complications, patient conditions, and trial results. Results of a study show a higher rate of complications with the infraclavicular approach. Techniques for subclavian lines placement and safety outcomes of different ultrasound-guided central lines are also highlighted.

If you have listened to this podcast for any amount of time, you know how POCUS studies usually go. Someone does an ultrasound on something cool and then compares it to another test to see how good it is. Well this study is different. In this case, we are taking a tried and true application of POCUS (undifferentiated dyspnea) and comparing a dedicated ultrasound team's POCUS to the treating emergency team's POCUS. You can imagine the important implications for how we do and define POCUS!!   https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/121 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348868/

Can you believe we have never talked about ectopic pregnancy on this podcast?? Fortunately for you, a new research article allows our faithful hosts to dive into this core application of POCUS. These authors ask the practical question of whether or not a POCUS saves time in patients with ectopic pregnancy requiring an operation. The results may not be too surprising, but there are many twists and turns to this discussion - not unlike the course traversed from the uterus to the adnexa! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/120 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146921/

Explore the impact of left ventricular function in cardiac arrest, suggesting a link to return of spontaneous circulation. Delve into the correlation between LV fractional shortening and patient outcomes. Discover the importance of ultrasound use in assessing LV function during resuscitation.

The FAST exam has been used in trauma for decades - so why is there still confusion on how to use it in pediatrics? Because kids are different than adults! This article takes a look at the associations between intraabdominal injury and the FAST, physical exam, and labs. The authors then combine the FAST with physical exam findings to create the exFAST, the FAST-enhanced physical exam! Our GEL Jr hosts deliver great pearls for the FAST exam and how we should be using it based on the evidence to date. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/118 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32159909/

Do you use ultrasound for suspected peritonsillar abscess (PTA)? Some of us probably do, some don't - but what does the evidence say?? Does it help the clinician? and (dare we ask) does it help the patient? This paper is potentially the best data we currently have on the topic. Mike and special guest Kim Fender dive straight into the purulence of this fluctuant topic.   https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/117 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826122/

GEL Jr coming in hot with the latest in neuro-ocular sonography - optic disc elevation! That's right - not optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), the actual elevation of the disc as seen on ocular ultrasound. Super cool new idea - lets how how it pans out in this pilot study!   https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/116 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34051397/

The podcast discusses the effectiveness of early systolic notching as a marker for pulmonary embolism, exploring a prospective study's findings. They highlight the diagnostic accuracy and significance of this marker in detecting proximal obstruction in the pulmonary arteries, comparing its specificity with other diagnostic methods. The hosts review diverse patient cases and emphasize the need for further research to establish a definitive marker for PE assessment.

One of the gang's favorite topics - ultrasound in cardiac arrest! This article delves into the importance of "pre-pause imaging", getting that picture of the heart ready even before the compressions are stopped! This seems like an important part of minimizing pauses in CPR, but how convincing is this data? https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/114 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34223359/

Discover how ultrasound can be used to confirm proper endotracheal tube placement in pediatric patients, comparing its accuracy to chest x-rays. Explore the safety and potential applications of using ultrasound for endotracheal tube cuff visualization during intubation, and how it can improve reliability in verifying tube depth during patient transfers.