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Martocchia A, Bentivegna E, Sergi D, Luciani M, Barlattani M, Notarangelo MF, Piccoli C, Sesti G, Martelletti P. The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) by the Handheld Ultrasound Devices (HUDs) in the COVID-19 Scenario: a Review of the Literature. SN COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 5:1. [PMID: 36407770 PMCID: PMC9665043 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-022-01316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of portable ultrasound (US) devices is increasing, due to its accessibility, versatility, non-invasiveness, and its significant support in the patient management, extending the traditional physical examination through the POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound). The pocket-size or handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs) can easily perform focused exams, not aiming to substitute for the high-end US systems (gold standard), since the HUDs usually have more limited functions. The HUDs are promising tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of the COVID-19 infection and its related disorders. In conclusion, the routine use of HUDs may ameliorate the management of COVID-19 pandemic, according to the guidelines for the POCUS approach and the procedures for the protection of the patients and the professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Martocchia
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bentivegna
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Sergi
- Radiology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Luciani
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Barlattani
- Internal Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Fortunato Notarangelo
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Piccoli
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Internal Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Martelletti
- Emergency Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The use of portable ultrasound (US) devices has increased in recent years and the market has been flourishing. Portable US devices can be subdivided into three groups: laptop-associated devices, hand-carried US, and handheld US devices. Almost all companies we investigated offer at least one portable US device. Portable US can also be associated with the use of different US techniques such as colour Doppler US and pulse wave (PW)-Doppler. Laptop systems will also be available with contrast-enhanced US and high-end cardiac functionality. Portable US devices are effective in the hands of experienced examiners. Imaging quality is predictably inferior to so-called high-end devices. The present paper is focused on portable US devices and clinical applications describing their possible use in different organs and clinical settings, keeping in mind that patient safety must never be compromised. Hence, portable devices must undergo the same decontamination assessment and protocols as the standard equipment, especially smartphones and tablets.
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