Aspiration and drainage procedures in the intensive care unit: percutaneous sonographic guidance.

Ultrasound guidance was used in 10 aspiration and six drainage procedures in the intensive care unit. Sonography offered a safe and effective method for guidance of diagnostic aspiration in the ICU setting. Additionally, cholecystostomy, nephrostomy, abscess drainage, and empyema drainage were performed at bedside as lifesaving procedures in six critically ill patients using US guidance.