The Role of Handheld Ultrasound in Point of Care

08-20-2024

What is POCUS?

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a versatile diagnostic tool that empowers clinicians to integrate ultrasound imaging directly into patient assessment and intervention. Providers can perform POCUS in any setting, such as at the bedside, in the field, or during patient transport.

This immediate access to medical imaging can help expedite the diagnosis and treatment process during various situations, including emergencies. As a result, POCUS can enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment and significantly improve patient outcomes.

For that reason, portable devices, such as handheld ultrasound, are gaining popularity. These ultrasound systems are easy to use and can quickly capture images at the point of care. This blog discusses the different applications of handheld ultrasound for POC and its advantages and  limitations.

What is Handheld Ultrasound?

Handheld ultrasound is a small, portable device that connects to a mobile device or larger ultrasound machine. It gives clinicians real-time images at the patient's bedside.  These devices can fit in a pocket, making them easy to carry and capture patient images.

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Benefits of Handheld Ultrasound in Point of Care Settings

The size and functionality of handheld ultrasound devices offer many benefits to clinicians. Some of these include:

  • Accessibility – Handheld ultrasound devices can connect to a mobile device or another ultrasound system, making it easy for clinicians to take them almost anywhere. In a healthcare facility, clinicians can keep up various with departments by imaging patients directly where they are. This removes the need to transfer them or locate a bulkier portable ultrasound solution to bring to their bedside.

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  • Pricing – Compared to larger standard ultrasound machines, handhelds provide a much lower-cost option to clinicians. In a large healthcare facility, this can translate to more ultrasound equipment across numerous departments. In contrast, traditional ultrasound systems require a larger long-term investment.

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  • Real-time imaging  – Handheld ultrasound devices help eliminate barriers to assessment by offering clinicians the ability to capture real-time, quality images for diagnosis. This is helpful in emergency care settings, where doctors need to quickly take images of patients to start treatment.

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  • Ergonomics – Ease-of-use is one of the key benefits of handheld ultrasound devices. A wireless ultrasound system allows clinicians to scan patients with one hand. This eliminates the worry about wires or tight spaces between the patient and the machine, allowing clinicians to scan patients more comfortably.

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Applications of Handheld Ultrasound in Point of Care Settings

Healthcare providers use portable ultrasound machines in various care settings. They allow clinicians from different fields to take real-time images of their patients quickly. Some examples of applications include:

  • Emergency Medicine – Using handheld ultrasound systems in emergency settings can be potentially lifesaving to trauma patients. Clinicians can quickly perform exams with handhelds and evaluate chest pain and other acute conditions requiring immediate intervention.
  • Critical Care – In critical care settings, handheld devices allow for a real-time assessment of cardiac function, fluid management, and evaluation of lungs while also providing procedural guidance for IVs, central lines, and ECMO cannulation
  • Primary Care – Handheld ultrasound systems make it easier for primary care physicians to evaluate cardiac function and perform fetal checks without sending patients out for imaging elsewhere. Primary care physicians can also use handheld ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms and renal/bladder status
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology – In the OB/GYN office, fetal health checks and fetal positioning can be captured accurately with handhelds, enabling clinicians to assess the fetus more quickly
  • Musculoskeletal – Handhelds are optimal for scanning for musculoskeletal injuries, and procedural guidance for aspirations and pain injections
  • EMS/Pre-hospital – EMS workers can use handheld devices to quickly check for serious conditions while transporting patients to the emergency room. This benefits the patient and helps save time, allowing emergency medicine doctors to start treatment sooner.

Challenges and Limitations of Handheld Ultrasound

Handheld ultrasound is beneficial for clinicians and patients. However, important considerations should be made before using it for diagnosis:

  • User skills and training – When using handheld or traditional ultrasound systems, clinicians must be trained to use proper scanning techniques to interpret images. Imaging with handheld ultrasound requires additional training, as the risk of overuse can lead to incidental findings1. Ensuring that physicians are trained only to scan when necessary helps to mitigate false findings from newer and less experienced clinicians.
  • Limited scope of imaging – Handheld ultrasound machines do not have the same image quality as larger systems and do not offer advanced echo applications. Focused cardiac ultrasound can still be qualitatively performed with a handheld device; however, few current devices offer spectral Doppler capabilities or comprehensive measurement packages, thus precluding their use for quantitative applications2.
  • Disinfection concerns – Like their larger counterparts, handheld ultrasound devices require rigorous disinfection between patients. Handhelds can easily be covered with sterile sheaths during use to significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases between patients3. Please refer to your manufacturer’s IFU’s for approved cleaning methods and disinfectants.
  • Technical limitations – Handheld ultrasound devices offer many benefits, but it’s important to consider potential technical limitations. One important factor is battery life. These devices use rechargeable batteries that can last through multiple exams. However, they may not last all day depending on usage. Planning for battery recharging can be crucial in busy settings.
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The Future of Handheld Ultrasound

Handhelds will likely increase in POCUS environments because they are affordable and portable. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become the norm over the past decade. Therefore, handhelds will be an intuitive imaging option for newer and younger clinicians entering the field.

Despite their limitations, the technology behind these devices and the mobile apps that support them is constantly improving. Image quality on handhelds may not be as clear as that of larger ultrasound systems yet. However, advancements such as AI programs are helping to enhance these functionalities and capabilities.

Overall, handhelds offer many enticing benefits to healthcare professionals. The clinical and technical research behind these devices is rapidly progressing. Ultimately, handhelds will continue to improve and help bring clinicians closer to their patients.

Discover Innovation Untethered

  • The TE Air is the industry’s first wireless transducer that connects to a fully-featured Ultrasound system. The TE Air can be used with the TE X Ultrasound System or independently with a mobile device. This versatility helps improve clinicians’ confidence and efficiency at the bedside or on the go, outside the hospital setting.

     

    Explore Innovation Untethered

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