30 Emergency and ICU Echo

Question 1

What are the issues with emergency echo and ICU echo?

Answer 1

Limiting timing requiring short protocols, limited patient positioning requiring non-standard windows, ventilators causing suboptimal image quality, multiple lines limiting probe positioning, other equipment limiting machine positioning and suboptimal lighting.

Question 2

What are the emergency TTE protocols?

Answer 2

The FEEL protocol (Focused Echo in Emergency Life Support) uses the PLAX, PSAX, A4C and SC views to identify potentially treatable issues in the cardiac arrest or peri-arrest setting.

The FATE protocol (Focused Assessed Transthoracic Echo) uses the PLAX, PSAX, A4C and SC views and pleural assessment to assess critically ill patients in the ICU setting.

The FAST protocol (Focused Assessed Sonography in Trauma) uses the SC view (to exclude cardiac tamponade) with abdominal and pelvic views in trauma patient.