Key Points to Select a Device for Dermatologic Ultrasound

What points to consider when selecting a device for practicing dermatologic ultrasound is an excellent question. After we met the requisites published in the guidelines for practicing dermatologic ultrasound, it is necessary to consider the main objective of the use because it is not the same to be focused mostly on the avoidance of the puncture of important facial vessels such as the case of injectors of cosmetic fillers in comparison to the use of operators that need to deal with the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of dermatologic pathologies. Currently, a broad variety of ultrasound devices meets the minimum requirements for practicing these examinations in the market. Thus, small, portable, and high-end devices may present advantages and limitations that must be balanced according to the primary purposes and the budget. Moreover, the shape and footprint of the probes can make difficult or facilitate a dermatologic procedure. Other points to consider are the type of storage and the need for technical service. In summary, there are key points that we need to consider when we select a dermatologic ultrasound device in dermatology or aesthetics.

Key Points to Select a Device for Dermatologic Ultrasound

What points to consider when selecting a device for practicing dermatologic ultrasound is an excellent question. After we met the requisites published in the guidelines for practicing dermatologic ultrasound, it is necessary to consider the main objective of the use because it is not the same to be focused mostly on the avoidance of the puncture of important facial vessels such as the case of injectors of cosmetic fillers in comparison to the use of operators that need to deal with the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of dermatologic pathologies. Currently, a broad variety of ultrasound devices meets the minimum requirements for practicing these examinations in the market. Thus, small, portable, and high-end devices may present advantages and limitations that must be balanced according to the primary purposes and the budget. Moreover, the shape and footprint of the probes can make difficult or facilitate a dermatologic procedure. Other points to consider are the type of storage and the need for technical service. In summary, there are key points that we need to consider when we select a dermatologic ultrasound device in dermatology or aesthetics.

Is dedicating an ultrasound machine to regional anesthesia an economically viable option?

Background and Aims:

The cost effectiveness of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is an issue which requires discussion. Based on our experience, we hypothesized that this is an economically viable option.

Material and Methods:

In this retrospective study, we included 90 patients who underwent upper extremity surgeries in our institute solely under ultrasound (USG)-guided brachial plexus blocks in a year. The cost of the block was derived by adding the cost of the material and drugs used for the block. This cost was subtracted from the cost that otherwise would have been incurred for general anesthesia (GA) of similar duration. This cost difference or benefit per case was then used to calculate the duration in years required to recover the cost of the ultrasound machine.

Statistics:

Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Analysis of variance was applied to compare mean benefits as per surgery, block, and duration. Ninety-five percent confidence interval for mean were calculated. Level of significance was taken as P = 0.05.

Results:

There were significant economic benefits using ultrasound guidance as compared to GA. Benefits differed significantly as per the type of surgery, type of block, and duration of the surgery. With the cost benefit that we have obtained, the cost of USG machine can be recovered in about 3 years.

Conclusion:

USG regional anesthesia is an economically viable concept. The cost benefit increases with the duration of a given surgery and increases with the number of blocks.