Potential role of ultrasound in anesthesia and intensive care.

One of the most exiting recent technological advances in the field of anesthesia to track the region of interest is the introduction of anatomical evaluation by ultrasound imaging. Widespread use of this modality depends on its proven clinical efficacy, cost effectiveness, and practicality as it allows anesthesiologist to evaluate complex and varied anatomy prior to needle insertion. Sound used in medicine is not significantly transmitted by air or bone but through fluids which make up the larger part of soft tissues in the body. Ultrasound has been shown to offer excellent guidance for difficult venous access, epidural space identification in cases of difficult anatomy, delineating nerve plexuses for chronic nerve blocks, for regional anesthesia, and in transesophageal echocardiography for cardiac imaging with blood flows or in an otherwise high-risk patient where interventional procedure is required. It has special application to assess the narrowest diameter of the subglottic upper airway. A systemic literature search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane library. The search strategy was set up using either single text word or combinations. We also included the studies where in these techniques were compared with conventional methods . Despite the initial excitement of this technique, ultrasound visualization is still indirect and images are subject to individual interpretation. It is gradually becoming routine in daily practice at our institution due to its reliability and safety. Though ultrasound is much safer, exposure in terms of intensity and time should be limited as far as possible, as high-energy ultrasound can cause heating and damage to tissues. In this review, we discuss established and future areas of ultrasound imaging and emphasize the use of B-mode ultrasound to improve the efficacy of interventional techniques. We have also illustrated potential uses with reference to cross-sectional B-mode images which visually represent a slice of tissues and are the easiest images for interpretation by clinicians.

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound imaging is a simple and noninvasive technique to provide a more accurate clinical assessment and localization of area of interest. Modern ultrasound machines are more compact and portable, with better resolution and enhanced tissue penetration for identification and desired intervention in various body structures. Anesthesiologist have been performing diverse interventional procedures using anatomical landmarks over so many years with variable success rates, risks, and consequences of complications. Ultrasound has a role in vascular access, in neural access for nerve blocks and regional anesthesia, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for cardiac imaging with blood flows, and to assess the depth of epidural space in cases of difficult anatomy. In order to be successful with this technique, it is important to develop a thorough understanding of the sonoanatomy involved and practical skills. The normal or abnormal structures need to be imaged and interpreted before any intervention.

The purpose of this review is to highlight the basics of ultrasound and to study various clinical trials in anesthesia and intensive care.

BASIC ULTRASOUND PRINCIPLE

Sound is produced when mechanical energy travel through matter as a wave, producing alternate compression and rarefaction. Ultrasound imaging is based on the principle of generation of sound waves beyond the audible range (20 kHz). Frequencies used for ultrasound are higher than those in the audible range, and typically vary from 2 to 15 MHz for diagnostic procedures. These waves have power to penetrate different tissues of the body at different speed and reflected back from the tissue interface. The amplitude of reflected energy is used to generate ultrasound images. The ultrasound pulses must be spaced with enough time between the pulses, to permit sound to travel the depth of interest and return before the next pulse is sent.[1]

Sound in the MHz range used in medical ultrasound is not significantly transmitted by air or bone. It is very well transmitted by fluids which make up the larger part of soft tissues in the body. Reflection, refraction, scatter, absorption, and transmission of sound occur as it passes soft tissue structures, allowing characterization of the shape and internal architecture of that structure in addition to those behind it. Reflection of sound is marked at interfaces between tissues of different acoustic impedance. These reflected sound signals are reproduced visually on grey scale. The pattern of sound waves generated by the probe and processing of reflected signals are controlled by computer software to generate optimal images.

PARTS OF ULTRASOUND MACHINE

Transmitter generates precisely timed, high-amplitude voltage to energize the transducer and controls the rate of pulses emitted to permit sound to travel the depth of interest and return before the next pulse is sent. Transducer converts electrical energy provided by the transmitter into acoustic pulses directed into the patients and receives the reflected echoes. The receiver and processor detect and amplify the back-scattered energy and manipulate the reflected signals for display. Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency pulses of sound waves which are generated by probes containing material exhibiting the piezoelectric effect. The crystal converts sound into electrical energy. The distance of the reflector can be calculated by calculating the time taken for the sound to travel from and to the transducer. The amplitude of the reflected sound can be used to calculate the reflectivity of the objects.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

Earliest A-mode devices displayed the position and strength of a reflecting structure as a vertical deflection on the face of the oscilloscope. M-mode ultrasound displays echo amplitude and shows the position of moving reflectors. It is used in the evaluation of cardiac chambers, valves, and vessel walls. Real-time B-mode display uses multiple ultrasound pulses to generate a two-dimensional (2-D) image. Generation of different-shaped field views depends on configuration of the probe.

Resolution refers to the ability of the device to differentiate two closely situated objects as distinct structures. Axial resolution is measured along the axis of the ultrasound beam in its direction of propagation. It is directly proportional to the ultrasound frequency. Transverse resolution is measured at 90 degrees to axial resolution. It depends on the width of the pulse beam. Axial resolution is always superior of the transverse resolution.

The propagation of sound reflected or transmitted at an interface depends upon the difference in acoustic impedance between the tissues forming the interface. The acoustic impedance is the product of the density of the tissue and the velocity, and measured in Rayls. Fluid appears black because of near complete transmission of waves. Calcification and air cause marked reflection, appears as white interface. The structures behind bone and trachea cannot be visualized. Real-time images generated through different tissue planes show movement of structures. Doppler assessment of blood flow and real-time imaging produce color images of arterial and venous flow. Structure of interest (blood vessels, tendons, and nerves) can be imaged either on the short axis (cross-section) or the long axis. A short-axis view becomes a long-axis view when the probe is turned 90 degrees in either direction.[12]

SYSTEM SET UP

The correct frequency transducer should be selected depending on the depth of penetration and the resolution needed. The high-frequency (10-14 MHz) transducers produce higher resolution images with low tissue penetration. The low-frequency (4-7 MHz) sound wave will show higher penetration in tissues but with poor image resolution. They are required for localization of deeper structures. The depth of tissue should be selected as with greater depth, structures appear smaller but cover a wider area. For optimum image, the area of interest should be within the focal area of the ultrasound beam.

Sterility during invasive procedures is maintained by covering the probe with a sterile plastic or latex sheath. Sterile or nonsterile gel is used to provide coupling of sound between probe and skin surface. Other gels, such as KY jelly or lidocaine gel, used for urinary catheterization may be too fluid for optimum effect.

TECHNIQUE TO USE ULTRASOUND

With B-mode ultrasound, structures can be seen in transverse and longitudinal section to allow three-dimensional image. In general, needles are seen more easily in longitudinal section; however, the relationship of the needle tip to target and adjacent structures is better seen in transverse section. Tissue distortion produced with repeated movements of the needle or acoustic shadows give a guide to needle direction in the absence of a direct view. The image of needles or cannulae can be improved by incorporating a machine roughened surface to improve scatter of ultrasound. Many ultrasound probes incorporate either fixed or detachable guides to facilitate accurate insertion of needles. These guides may be used in conjunction with target lines generated on the ultrasound image. The angles of these guides may be rather acute. Needle position and puncture of structures can be seen in real time. Depth and gain settings were adjusted as necessary to optimize the image quality in each patient. Depth and size of structures can be measured by built-in electronic caliper.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF ULILITY

The potential areas of ultrasound interventions in anesthesia are the airway assessment, for vascular access, for regional anesthesia and nerve blocks, pleural drainage, TEE, trauma, urinary catheterization, and nasogastric tube placement. The majority of such procedures are performed using surface markings alone for anatomical guidance. Obscured or pathologically altered anatomy can make procedures difficult and surface landmarks may give no indication of the underlying anatomy. Multiple attempts have been shown to be associated with increased risk of complications. The ability to visualize cross-sectional images during invasive procedures provides a unique opportunity of success for both normal and variant anatomy. Use of ultrasound to view anatomy and guide interventions would improve the overall success with reduced complication rates.

VASCULAR ACCESS

Ultrasound imaging indicates the presence, patency, position, and direction of vessels in the neck, axilla, antecubital fossa, femoral triangle, and other sites with reduce complications. There is increasing evidence that many complications can be avoided by the use of ultrasound for vascular access. There are increasing number of medico-legal cases due to the complications and failure of procedures which can be avoided by the use of ultrasound for imaging during vascular access, particularly in high-risk, difficult cases.

Surface landmark-guided venous access is a procedure with high success rates when performed in optimal circumstances. The indications, techniques, and complications of vascular access are well documented.

The following two types of ultrasound guidance are described: 2-D imaging ultrasound guidance and audio-guided Doppler ultrasound guidance. 2-D ultrasound provides a real-time image of the anatomy. Audio-guided Doppler ultrasound helps to localize the vein and differentiate it from its companion artery, but does not give the idea about the depth of the vessel.

The larger central and peripheral arteries and veins are seen easily with high-resolution ultrasound in adults and children. There is usually no difficulty in distinguishing arteries from veins. Arteries are round in cross section, pulsatile, and are not easily compressible with pressure applied through the ultrasound probe. Veins are more irregular in cross section, vary in size with respiration, and are easily compressible with probe pressure. The needle puncture may be made either indirectly by pre-procedure identification of the vessel by ultrasound, or directly under real-time visualization by using 2.5 to 10 MHz probes. The minimum vessel distortion was seen when using a sharp, long-beveled, and 21-gauge needle when it is compared with larger, shorter-beveled needles for vascular access. Needles are seen more easily in longitudinal section but relationship of the needle to surrounding structures is better appreciated in transverse section. A guide on the ultrasound probe may facilitate needle insertion.[3]

The majority of ultrasound studies have been performed in relation to central venous rather than arterial access. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of ultrasound guidance for central venous catheter placement was conducted and they found a reduction in placement failure, decreased need for multiple attempts, and decreased complications, when compared with standard landmark technique.[4] The discrepancy in diameter between right and left internal jugular veins and inverse correlation between the size of external and internal jugular veins has been reported. The difference between the 2-D ultrasound method and the landmark method in the time taken to insert the catheter successfully was small and not statistically significant. The presence of the clavicle limits ultrasound access to the subclavian vessels. Ultrasound may be used to image and guide axillary vessel puncture more laterally and reduce the risk of pleural or arterial puncture [Figure 1].

Figure 1

Image of the anterior neck (Left) showing internal jugular vein for venous access

The vessels can be seen in the presence of hematoma, morbid obesity and other abnormalities, and optimum site for access chosen to avoid veins overlying arteries. This may be particularly useful in hemodialysis patients, high-risk and difficult patients who need large- bore dual lumen catheters, present for repeated cannulation, may not be able to lie supine, and may have underlying coagulopathy or platelet dysfunction. Valves and thrombi can also be located.

OTHER USES FOR VASCULAR ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound can also be used as an alternative to X-ray to check for position of the guide wire or catheter being in the vessel. It can demonstrate the presence of a thrombus, seen as echogenic material which prevents the vein from being completely compressed by probe pressure. Ultrasound assessment of compressibility of lower limb veins without Doppler has been shown to be accurate in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. The pulmonary embolism from upper body veins can also be recorded.

Arterial cannulae are inserted for blood pressure monitoring and blood gas sampling. Studies comparing the use of ultrasound vs blind technique for radial artery cannulation have found that ultrasound guidance decreases the number of attempts and improves the overall success rate of cannulation. Some authors have noted the usefulness of ultrasound in patients in the emergency room or when femoral arterial pulsation cannot be felt during resuscitation. Color Doppler probes may be used to identify the bleeding points in arteries after arterial cannulation. Accurate ultrasound-guided local pressure can then be applied to stop bleeding and avoid or treat false aneurysms. There is also interest in intraoperative use of ultrasound to identify aortic plaques before aortic cannulation in cardiac surgery, which may reduce embolic complications during surgery.

ULTRASOUND FOR CHEST

Ultrasound aids accurate diagnosis by identification of localized, loculated collections and drainage by using a pigtail catheter over a guide wire or larger, traditionally placed drains [Figure 2]. Needle-based techniques rely on a space between parietal and lung pleura to allow insertion of the needle tip and subsequent passage of guide wire. If insufficient space is present, lung puncture and pneumothorax are likely to occur. In critically ill patients, the small effusions can be seen easily. The trauma surgeons also assess the hemothorax by ultrasound.[56]

Figure 2

Image showing pleural effusion and ascites - right side

Ribs, sternal fractures, and the fluid-filled, collapsed, consolidated lung can be seen with ultrasound. There are reports detailing ultrasound appearances of the lung with pulmonary edema (comet tail sign), pneumonia, lung abscess, and pneumothorax (sliding lung sign).[78] Biopsy and drainage of diseased lung can also be performed under ultrasound control. Ultrasound has been used to assess diaphragmatic function after phrenic nerve damage and function of the abdominal wall muscles in respiration.[9]

ULTRASOUND FOR REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

One of the principal challenges of regional anesthesia is the unreliability of conventional modalities for confirming precise nerve localization. A successful regional block requires optimum distribution of local anesthetic around nerve and plexus structures. In recent years, real-time ultrasound guidance has been introduced as an aid to nerve localization.[10] For ultrasound-guided nerve block, all the anatomical structures in the target area have to be visualized. The penetration depth, the frequencies, and the position of the focal zones are optimized. The penetrance and reflectance of nerve tissues to ultrasound is little different to muscle and other soft tissue and larger nerves can be seen, especially when the position of blood vessels or other structures adjacent to them allow approximate prior localization.

Ultrasound of peripheral nerve allows imaging of individual nerves, position of needle, and monitoring of local anesthetic spread. Higher frequencies (10-14 MHz) give a higher spatial resolution with low tissue penetration and are better for localizing superficial plexuses. Lower frequencies (4-7 MHz) are required for localization of deeper nerves.

The sonographic appearance of peripheral nerve varies according to the plane of ultrasound beam. In the transverse plane, nerves appear as honeycomb structures, round or oval shapes consisting of hypoechoic fascicles surrounded by hyperechoic tissues (epineurium). In the longitudinal plane, hypoechoic parallel bands are bordered by hyperechoic striations. Tendons may resemble nerves on ultrasound appearance, but tend to have a more fibrillar pattern with fine parallel lines on longitudinal section. Movement of tendons with contraction of appropriate muscle groups helps distinction [Figures 3–5].[11-13]

Figure 3

Image showing access to brachial plexus by supraclavicular approach

Figure 5

Image to locate the celiac trunk and celiac plexus

Image showing inter-scalene approach of the brachial plexus

The visibility of the needle on ultrasound is affected by the angle of insertionreduced at steep angles and the gauge of the needle- large bore needle is easily visualized. The out-of-plane needle approach involves insertion of the needle, so that it crosses the plane of imaging near the target. Direct imaging of nerves allows more accurate needle placement, targeted injection of local anesthetic agent, and verification of spread in the appropriate tissue planes. The needle tip can be guided toward the neurovascular bundle, aiming specifically to avoid arteries, veins, and other structures. Once the needle is optimally in place, the local anesthetic is administered under direct visualization. If the local anesthetic does not spread in the right direction, the needle can be repositioned accordingly. Accurate needle placement would reduce the incidence of pneumothorax, arterial puncture, and direct nerve damage.

Air bubbles can cause shadowing and should be removed prior to injection. Bicarbonate containing solutions are avoided because of CO2 production, which will interfere with imaging. Apparent visual needle contact with nerve may not necessarily elicit muscle contractions; therefore, combined use of ultrasound and electrical nerve stimulator improves quality of block and success rate. However, this has not been shown to confer any advantages.[14]

A number of clinical studies have been done to examine block characteristics with ultrasound guidance at different anatomical locations, and found improved block characteristics with decreased onset time and improved quality of block. The required dose of local anesthetic was also reduced. Complications like neurological damage and vessel puncture were avoided. There are reports suggesting that ultrasound improves the success of axillary, brachial, and femoral nerve blocks. Other nerve blocks, such as that of the sciatic nerve, which traditionally has not been easy to locate, may be a focus of increased interest if they could be seen directly.

CENTRAL NEURAXIAL BLOCK

Spinal anesthesia can be challenging in patients of poorly palpable surface landmarks and in age-related changes of lumbar spine. The elderly and obese patients have shown to contribute technical difficulties due to poor quality surface landmarks and reduced ability to flex the lumbar spine. Ultrasound imaging has been shown to be superior to clinical palpation as a method of identifying lumbar intervertebral level. Ultrasound guidance for neuraxial anesthesia is limited by the presence of bony structures like laminae, spinous processes, and transverse processes, which do not allow the ultrasonic beam to pass through. The lumbar spine should be imaged using a curved-array 2-5 MHz in two views, longitudinal parasagittal and transverse midline. The intervertebral levels were identified by counting upward from the sacrum. The locations of the interlaminar spaces were identified by visualizing the ligamentum flavum-dura mater complex and the posterior aspect of the vertebral body. The needle insertion point for a midline approach and depth of structures can be determined from ultrasound examination, thus facilitating successful central neuraxial blockade.[15]

Ultrasound for lumber epidurals should be used along with loss of resistance techniques to guide needle orientation and to give an idea of the depth of ligamentum flavum. Studies have shown good correlation between ultrasonographically measured data on the depth of the lumbar epidural space and direct measurement at the time of lumbar puncture. A preprocedural ultrasound scan of lumbar spine has been shown to be beneficial in guiding lumbar epidural catheter insertion Also, the depth of the epidural space in adults needs imaging with low-frequency probes, which gives poor resolution. In such anatomical areas, imaging of muscle-fascial planes or muscle-tendon bone interfaces, rather than nerve itself, may be used to guide needle placement. Ultrasound guidance is associated with significant reduction of the puncture attempts, with more precise application of the catheter to improve analgesia quality with patient satisfaction.[16] Ultrasound visibility is higher in the paramedian as compared with the median plane and should be used to determine the least rotated vertebral body for epidural catheter insertion in spinal scoliosis.[17] Newer application of ultrasound is to visualize the cerebrospinal fluid leak in cases of postdural puncture headache and to apply autologous blood epidural patch.

ULTRASOUND FOR AIRWAY ASSESSMENT

Ultrasound imaging of the upper airway, in a cooperative subject without the need for sedation, could provide another objective modality to anesthesiologists to assess the size of the airway, the presence of foreign bodies, and perhaps the condition and structure of the epiglottis. The ability to measure airway dimensions is important for clinicians and interventional bronchoscopists to accurately quantify structural abnormalities in response to treatment.

Ultrasound imaging is a simple and noninvasive technique to provide a more accurate clinical assessment of the patient's airway. When combined with a thorough knowledge of regional anatomy, soft tissues can be visualized and identified. An external, cricoid-level transverse scanning technique is used to visualize the trachea and the esophagus [Figure 6]. It is usually difficult to obtain a stable longitudinal image of the airway when using an external scanning over the midline of the anterior neck, due to the difficulty in maintaining good probe-skin contact over an uneven and curved surface. The anterior and side walls of the larynx and trachea are easy to see, but reflectance of ultrasound at tissue-air interfaces means structures within and behind the airway, including tracheal tubes, cannot be seen easily. Filling the cuff with fluid helps to see the cuff position. The lateral position of a laryngeal mask airway cuff can be seen if the cuff is filled with fluid, but the fluid damages the cuff.[1819]

Figure 6

Image showing trachea

A fast, simple, and noninvasive sublingual technique[20] for ultrasonographic airway imaging, well tolerated by awake, cooperative adult patient, has been studied by placing a small footprint, high-frequency curved array probe into the sublingual fossa, intraorally. It gives clear images of oropharyngeal and glottic structures. A longitudinal view of the larynx can be obtained by placing the probe sagittally and longitudinally under the patient's tongue. Excellent probe-tissue contact is achieved by placing the probe into the sublingual fossa. This approach provides stable images while avoiding contact with the soft palate and circumventing an unpleasant gagging reflex. The images of the larynx can be optimized further by tilting the probe upward and pointing it caudally. The epiglottis is typically located caudal to the base of the tongue. A clear and dynamic view, as well as the opening of the esophagus, can usually be easily obtained by asking the patient to swallow.

Ultrasound has been used to examine pretracheal anatomy before performing open surgical tracheostomy or percutaneous tracheostomy. It can assess the position of potentially dangerous vessels or other structures and the relative merits of a surgical or percutaneous tracheostomy decision. Accurate midline needle placement can also be assisted. Imaging of the thyroid lobes and isthmus (which have a characteristic grey appearance), anterior jugular veins, and midline of the trachea are possible.[21]

Ultrasound has a role for assessment and diagnosis of upper airway problems, including epiglottitis. The presence of mucosal swelling, fluid or the swollen tissues of disease states should allow areas not normally imaged to be seen because of ultrasound reflectance of air-filled structures. In the emergency room, ultrasound has been shown to determine the correct placement of an endotracheal tube. Vocal cord function has been assessed in adults and children with pharyngeal and tongue movements with swallowing being recorded.[22] A recent study has shown that ultrasound imaging is fairly accurate in estimating the glottic diameter.[23]

Ultrasound has been used in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis in nasally intubated cases. The presence of fluid in the sinuses allows their structure to be visualized which could not be seen when air filled.[24] The role of ultrasound in and around the airway requires further verification.

ULTRASOUND FOR HEART AND TEE

Transthoracic ultrasound has an established role in many areas of cardiac diseases. Significant pericardial collections can be seen easily and drained under ultrasound control. Easy access to ultrasound may enable clinicians to diagnose and treat the pathology earlier. In patients of ischemic heart disease, ongoing ischemia can be detected by regional wall motion abnormalities. The left and right ventricular function with volume status can be assessed during severe hemodynamic instability. Currently available TEE probes combine multiplanar ultrasound for cardiac imaging with Doppler to view blood flows. It is used in anesthesia to assess adequacy of repair and to detect residual pathology or prosthetic valve dysfunction in patients undergoing valvular or congenital heart surgery. Ultrasound is a sensitive tool for early detection of pulmonary embolism, especially in patients undergoing neurosurgery in the sitting position. Transesophageal stress echocardiography can be performed to detect coronary artery disease and viability. The expense, invasive nature of the probes, and the training required are likely to limit its use to specialist centers.[25]

ULTRASOUND IN PEDIATRICS

Ultrasound is particularly useful for neural blocks in children due to variability in anatomy according to age and constitution of the patient. Moreover, the neural structures are superficially located in children, higher frequency ultrasound probes can be used for better resolution. Spine interspaces and intervertebral foramina allow the ultrasonic beam to penetrate through, to visualize deeper structures.[2627]

It is useful aid to verify epidural placement of local anesthetic agents and epidural catheters in children. Advantages include a reduction in bone contacts, faster epidural placement, direct visualization of neuraxial structures, and the spread of local anesthetic inside the epidural space. Studies have shown that ultrasound provides information on the distance of skin to ligament flavum in neonates, infants, and children.[28] Hence, the risk of dural puncture is reduced and the spread of local anesthetic agent can also be visualized.

Ultrasonographic visualization of the posterior rectus sheath is possible in children to provide effective analgesia for umbilical and epigastric hernia repair, laparoscopic surgery, pyloromyotomy, and other small midline incisions to offer considerable advantages over conventional, landmark-based techniques for regional anesthesia in children.[29]

OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST

Pain interventions

The use of ultrasound has been shown to have 100% accuracy in locating the caudal space and guiding epidural needles for caudal injections for low back pain. Ultrasound has been shown to offer excellent guidance in selective ganglion or nerve blocks for invasive pain therapy. Lumber sympathetic and celiac plexus have been shown to yield similarly good results with ultrasound imaging as with computed tomography scans. A new ultrasound-based approach to facet nerve block under guidance is simpler and avoids radiation.

Ultrasound guidance for stellate ganglion block is useful to monitor the puncture site, needle position, and spread of the local anesthetic.[30] The stellate ganglion block is commonly given for treatment of hydrohidrosis or complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb. Traditional landmark techniques use an anterior paratracheal approach at C6 with palpation of Chassaignac's tubercle in the groove between the trachea and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The injection at the base of the transverse process where it joins the vertebral body has been recommended.

The ultrasound may be used to identify myofascial trigger points. In the area of chronic pain, demonstration of neuromas or nerves infiltrated by tumor may offer new diagnostic or treatment opportunities. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging modalities are more widely used for this purpose.

In trauma

The role of color Doppler sonography has been extensively described as the initial diagnostic modality in a wide spectrum of patients with blunt and penetrating trauma with evaluation of peripheral arterial trauma. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were reported as 95%. It helped in the reduction of clinical dependency on arteriography for evaluation of vascular trauma. Arterial disruption, intimal flaps, acute pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistulas, and shotgun pellet arteriopunture can all be easily identified by ultrasound.[31]

Assessment of muscle wasting in critically ill patients has been reported using ultrasound. The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissues, and inferior vena caval diameter has been suggested as markers of fluid status in patients undergoing surgery and dialysis.[32]

Abdomen

Ultrasound has been used to determine residual urine volumes and aid suprapubic catheterization, and for assessment of urinary tract obstruction or catheter patency. It is also used to facilitate duodenal placement of feeding tubes and placement of percutaneous feeding enterostomies. Safe paracentesis can be performed easily in previously operated patients.[3334]

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided anesthetic procedures have given a new life to traditional skills. The superiority of ultrasound-guided block technique to blind techniques relies on subtle sensations, which may be unreliable even in experienced hands. The noninvasive real-time imaging of the relevant anatomical structures with the needle is placed under direct vision and the spread of local anesthetic can be seen within the potential space, with faster onset times, reduced doses of local anesthetic, and higher and more predictable success rates, particularly in the more difficult cases. Needle misplacement can be recognized and rectified immediately reducing the risk of failure or potential complications. The increasing availability of small, high-resolution ultrasound and its utility in vascular access, TEE, and regional blocks has led a potential role in anesthesia, intensive care, and pain areas. Routine application of this technology may ultimately increase the overall utilization rate.