Ultrasound in Critical Care

Ultrasound is a diagnostic method that uses high-intensity sound waves to produce the images of structures within the body. It serves as a valuable source of information for several purposes, including diagnosis of various diseases and monitoring the course of pregnancy. Ultrasound can also be used as an image guidance tool during certain medical procedures. The images generated by an ultrasound are known as sonogram. Ultrasound can be categorized into three main types, which includes pregnancy or prenatal ultrasound, diagnostic ultrasound, and ultrasound guidance for procedures. There are several procedures that need ultrasound guidance, such as guiding needle placement to sample fluid or tissue from joints, tendons, muscles, transplant organs, etc. Lesion localization procedures, embryo transfer for in vitro fertilization and nerve blocks are some other medical procedures that make the use of ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound is also used for the management of patients undergoing critical care. The diagnosis and assessment of various medical conditions such as pulmonary edema, pneumothorax and deep vein thrombosis can be done in a rapid manner through ultrasound. This book unravels the recent studies on ultrasound imaging. It strives to provide a fair idea about its applications in critical care. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.