Ultrasound GEL

The podcast discusses using ultrasound to assess jugular venous pressure as a non-invasive way to evaluate right heart pressures. They explore the accuracy and reliability of ultrasound measurements, comparing it to traditional methods and showcasing statistical analysis. The complexities of assessing fluid status using different methods and integrating multiple assessments for a thorough evaluation are also emphasized.

This is a Special Edition podcast which features the winner of a competition at the recent SAEM Sonogames! The challenge was to create the best infographic for a POCUS article of the team's choice. The winning team was from Boston Medical Center. This podcast is a brief discussion of the article and the graphic this talented team created. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/126 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33795166/

In the first of our new series of author interviews, hosts Zach Risler and Mike Prats interview the illustrious Felipe Teran. They discuss Felipe's take on our coverage of the Quantitative LV Function in PEA article (ep 119) as well as thoughts on ultrasound and cardiac arrest research in general. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/125

In this episode, Mike and Jacob dive into an important intersection of musculoskeletal and procedural ultrasound - the ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis. People have been doing arthrocentesis without the help of ultrasound for a while, and most would agree it is feasible. BUT what about those smaller joints - like the wrist, elbow, and ankle? Perhaps that is where the greatest benefit would be in making sure your needle gets to the right place. These authors performed a randomized trial of this specific population to investigate this question. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/124 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34608713/

Intussusception is a big deal and an area where POCUS can potentially make a difference. The literature has been promising, but there hasn't been any definitive studies...until now? The GEL Jr hosts dive into this impressive prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority study and (much like an air enema) they try to get to the bottom of this question to reduce our impacted uncertainty. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/123 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34226072/

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/