This study was supported in part by the grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST 103-2511-S-002-007). The authors would like to thank Dr. Chih-Hsien Wu and Mr. Jen-Chih Sung for helping the preparation of the photographs and film.

This procedure was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Taiwan University Hospital and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02952768).
1. Instrumentation
<ol>
	<li>Use a US machine equipped with a curvilinear 2&#8211;5 MHz probe. A portable US is more suitable for CPR.</li>
</ol>
2. Personnel and their roles in the resuscitation team
<ol>
	<li>Ideally, a resuscitation team should be comprised of six members: 1) a leader; 2) a member for airway management (A) and ventilation (B); 3) one for chest compressions (C); 4) one for defibrillation (D); 5) one for intravenous (IV) catheterization and medication; and 6) a recorder.</li>
	<li>If the personnel is limited, have the roles overlap. When US is integrated into the CPR process, the sonographer should be an independent member of the team who is well trained and experienced in resuscitation US and can intervene and interpret the US images in a timely manner without interrupting or delaying resuscitation efforts. However, the leader can also be the sonographer. He or she can use US to search for any potentially reversible causes of resuscitation failure as early as possible while leading the whole CPR process.</li>
</ol>
3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation process
<ol>
	<li>Perform all resuscitation procedures according to the ALS guidelines6.</li>
	<li>When US is integrated into the CPR process, strict control to minimize interruption of the chest compressions is the highest priority. Restrict the hands-off interval for pulse checks/rhythm analysis and simultaneous US evaluation to no longer than 10 s.
	<ol>
		<li>Use a timer with preset alarms to remind the sonographer of the time intervals. Set the alarm for every 2 min of CPR and 10 s for pulse checks.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. US-CAB protocol
<ol>
	<li>US-C: Use cardiac US (US-C) at the start of CPR and at the end of the first five cycles of chest compressions.
	<ol>
		<li>Use the subxiphoid four-chamber view (Figure 1A) to check pericardial effusion, the size of the right and left ventricles, and sonographic cardiac activity.</li>
		<li>Turn the probe 90&#176; (parallel to the long axis of the patient) to measure the diameter of the IVC (Figure 1B).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>US-A: Use US-A to check the endotracheal tube location after intubation.
	<ol>
		<li>Place the probe transversely at the suprasternal notch (Figure 1C).</li>
		<li>Note the one air-mucosal interface with one comet-tail artifact (single tract sign) for tracheal intubation.</li>
		<li>Move the probe to the lateral side of the neck to reconfirm the single tract sign.</li>
		<li>Perform reintubation if there are two air-mucosal interfaces with two comet-tail artifacts (double tract sign)12.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>US-B: Use US-B to check proper ventilation.
	<ol>
		<li>Put the probe on either side of the chest at the 4th&#8211;5th intercostal spaces over the midaxillary line (Figure 1D).</li>
		<li>Detect lung sliding to evaluate pulmonary ventilation11,13.</li>
		<li>If lung sliding is absent on one side, adjust the depth of the endotracheal tube until bilateral lung sliding is noticed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>US-C: Repeat US-C every 2 min when chest compression is stopped for pulse checks.</li>
	<li>Repeat US-AB after transportation and bed transfer of the patient.</li>
</ol>
5. Settings and approach during CPR
<ol>
	<li>Keep the US machine ready in the resuscitation room of the emergency department. In cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest, a portable US device can be brought to the scene immediately, and turned on instantly.</li>
	<li>Because a lot of resuscitation procedures are performed around the head, neck, and chest of the patient (e.g., chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation, ventilation, etc.), place the US machine in the caudal area of the patient (Figure 2). For example, it should be located over the patient&#8217;s right side for a right-handed sonographer and vice versa. This way the sonographer can get the probe ready and immediately assess the patient&#8217;s condition.</li>
</ol>
6. Image acquisition and recording
<ol>
	<li>Have the US images interpreted by the sonographer and print or store important images for medical records and further discussion with the resuscitation team.</li>
	<li>Ideally, store the US images in the hard disk of the US machine for regular (e.g., monthly) review, either for quality assurance or teaching purposes. Video recording is even better, as it not only provides important information that is less well characterized by still photos but also offers materials for training or subsequent analysis.</li>
</ol>
7. Data interpretation and analysis
<ol>
	<li>Have the sonographer interpret the US images during CPR on-site to help with clinical judgement and decision making. A sonographer, after structured training and continued practice, can perform sonographic evaluation and interpret the data in real CPR scenarios. The interpretation and discussion of the data can also be done by all resuscitation team members during debriefing immediately after the post-CPR phase. The discussion focuses not only on US diagnosis, but on the therapeutic interventions and impact on CPR outcomes following the US examination.</li>
	<li>For research purposes, also have interpretation done afterwards by blinded researchers.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Soar, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=European+Resuscitation+Council+Guidelines+for+Resuscitation+2015:+Section+3.+Adult+advanced+life+support.">European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015: Section 3. Adult advanced life support.</a> Resuscitation. 95, 100-147 (2015).</li><li>Takeda, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+assessment+of+three+methods+to+verify+tracheal+tube+placement+in+the+emergency+setting.">The assessment of three methods to verify tracheal tube placement in the emergency setting.</a> Resuscitation. 56 (2), 153-157 (2003).</li><li>Levine, R., Wayne, M., Miller, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=End-tidal+carbon+dioxide+and+outcome+of+out-of-hospital+cardiac+arrest.">End-tidal carbon dioxide and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 337, 301-306 (1997).</li><li>Moule, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Checking+the+carotid+pulse:+diagnostic+accuracy+in+students+of+the+healthcare+professions.">Checking the carotid pulse: diagnostic accuracy in students of the healthcare professions.</a> Resuscitation. 44 (3), 195-201 (2000).</li><li>Sitzwohl, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endobronchial+intubation+detected+by+insertion+depth+of+endotracheal+tube,+bilateral+auscultation,+or+observation+of+chest+movements:+randomised+trial.">Endobronchial intubation detected by insertion depth of endotracheal tube, bilateral auscultation, or observation of chest movements: randomised trial.</a> British Medical Journal. 341, 5943 (2010).</li><li>Monsieurs, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=European+Resuscitation+Council+Guidelines+for+Resuscitation+2015:+Section+1.+Executive+summary.">European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015: Section 1. Executive summary.</a> Resuscitation. 95, 1-80 (2015).</li><li>Breitkreutz, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Focused+echocardiographic+evaluation+in+life+support+and+peri-resuscitation+of+emergency+patients:+a+prospective+trial.">Focused echocardiographic evaluation in life support and peri-resuscitation of emergency patients: a prospective trial.</a> Resuscitation. 81 (11), 1527-1533 (2010).</li><li>Hernandez, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=C.A.U.S.E.:+Cardiac+arrest+ultra-sound+exam--a+better+approach+to+managing+patients+in+primary+non-arrhythmogenic+cardiac+arrest.">C.A.U.S.E.: Cardiac arrest ultra-sound exam--a better approach to managing patients in primary non-arrhythmogenic cardiac arrest.</a> Resuscitation. 76 (2), 198-206 (2008).</li><li>Perera, P., Mailhot, T., Riley, D., Mandavia, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+RUSH+exam:+Rapid+Ultrasound+in+SHock+in+the+evaluation+of+the+critically+lll.">The RUSH exam: Rapid Ultrasound in SHock in the evaluation of the critically lll.</a> Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 28 (1), 29-56 (2010).</li><li>Blyth, L., Atkinson, P., Gadd, K., Lang, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bedside+focused+echocardiography+as+predictor+of+survival+in+cardiac+arrest+patients:+a+systematic+review.">Bedside focused echocardiography as predictor of survival in cardiac arrest patients: a systematic review.</a> Academic Emergency Medicine. 19, 1119-1126 (2012).</li><li>Lien, W. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=US-CAB+protocol+for+ultrasonographic+evaluation+during+cardiopulmonary+resuscitation:+validation+and+potential+impact.">US-CAB protocol for ultrasonographic evaluation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: validation and potential impact.</a> Resuscitation. 127, 125-131 (2018).</li><li>Chou, H. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Real-time+tracheal+ultrasonography+for+confirmation+of+endotracheal+tube+placement+during+cardiopulmonary+resuscitation.">Real-time tracheal ultrasonography for confirmation of endotracheal tube placement during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</a> Resuscitation. 84 (12), 1708-1712 (2013).</li><li>Sim, S. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasonographic+lung+sliding+sign+in+confirming+proper+endotracheal+intubation+during+emergency+intubation.">Ultrasonographic lung sliding sign in confirming proper endotracheal intubation during emergency intubation.</a> Resuscitation. 83 (3), 307-312 (2012).</li><li>Lien, W. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+US-CAB+protocol+for+ultrasonographic+evaluation+during+cardiopulmonary+resuscitation.">A novel US-CAB protocol for ultrasonographic evaluation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</a> Resuscitation. 115, 1-2 (2017).</li><li>Roelandt, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound+stethoscopy.">Ultrasound stethoscopy.</a> European Journal of Internal Medicine. 15, 337-347 (2004).</li><li>Lien, W. C., Chang, W. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Potential+Pitfall+of+Tracheal+Ultrasound+for+the+Confirmation+of+Endotracheal+Intubations.">A Potential Pitfall of Tracheal Ultrasound for the Confirmation of Endotracheal Intubations.</a> Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. , (2019).</li><li>Huis In't Veld, M. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound+use+during+cardiopulmonary+resuscitation+is+associated+with+delays+in+chest+compressions.">Ultrasound use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with delays in chest compressions.</a> Resuscitation. 119, 95-98 (2017).</li><li>Clattenburg, E. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Point-of-care+ultrasound+use+in+patients+with+cardiac+arrest+is+associated+prolonged+cardiopulmonary+resuscitation+pauses:+A+prospective+cohort+study.">Point-of-care ultrasound use in patients with cardiac arrest is associated prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation pauses: A prospective cohort study.</a> Resuscitation. 122 (1), 65-68 (2018).</li><li>Lien, W. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Data+on+evaluation+of+proficiency+for+the+US-CAB+curriculum.">Data on evaluation of proficiency for the US-CAB curriculum.</a> Data in Brief. 16 (17), 965-968 (2017).</li><li>Lien, W. C., Chang, W. T., Ma, M. H., Chen, W. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasonography+during+CPR:+Hands-off+or+hands-on.">Ultrasonography during CPR: Hands-off or hands-on.</a> Resuscitation. 125, 8-10 (2018).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

US is a noninvasive, real-time, and readily available imaging modality in emergency and critical care settings. Application of US during CPR plays an important role in diagnosis, guidance of therapeutic intervention, or monitoring15. While many US protocols have been introduced for use with CPR, the US-CAB protocol complies with the sequence of advanced life support (ALS). It integrates important US techniques to detect possibly reversible causes of any issues, and to evaluate the C-A-B status dur...

Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for cardiac arrest is key to successful revival of a patient. Circulation (C), airway (A), and breathing (B) are the three crucial components in either basic (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS). The evaluation of the C-A-B status during CPR basically relies on pulse checks, auscultation, and capnography1. In true clinical conditions, however, CPR is often complex and chaotic, and these methods may have limitations2,3. For example, the accuracy of pulse checks is often suboptimal even when performed by healthcare providers4. More than half of one lung intubations might be misdirected if guided by auscultation alone5. Even wave capnography can be affected by factors such as low cardiac output, low pulmonary flow, and use of epinephrine during CPR2. Therefore, more effective, accurate evaluation of the C-A-B status is mandatory.
When trying to search for the etiology of cardiac arrest or any potentially reversible factors during CPR, medical history and physical examination are often insufficient. The detection of reversible causes, such as the 5Hs (i.e., hypoxia, hypovolemia, hyperkalemia/hypokalemia, acidosis, and hypothermia) and the 5Ts (i.e., cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, pulmonary thromboembolism, coronary thrombosis, and toxins or tablets), often requires advanced examinations.
Ultrasound (US) is a useful imaging modality in emergency and critical care settings. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines suggest that US can be an integral part of resuscitation6. US can readily identify critical but potentially reversible factors that negatively affect CPR, such as cardiac tamponade, pulmonary thromboembolism, and hypovolemia7,8,9. US also helps rule out pneumothorax and acute coronary syndrome. Moreover, US confers prognostic implications even when CPR is being performed. The presence of sonographic cardiac activity during CPR has been reported to confer higher chances of ROSC, survival, and hospital discharge10,11. In addition to sonographic evaluation of the heart and circulation status, tracheal US is employed for confirmation of proper endotracheal intubation12, while lung US is applied to confirm proper bilateral pulmonary ventilation13.
While high-quality CPR with minimal interruptions to the compressions is the most important factor for resuscitation, it is important to understand how to seamlessly integrate US into the process of resuscitation without interfering with CPR. We therefore developed a novel, ALS-compliant US-CAB protocol for use during CPR14. This paper presents a detailed description of the settings, personnel, and instruments necessary for better integration of the US protocol into the regular CPR process that first-line physicians can easily incorporate and implement into their practice.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Ultrasound</td><td>Cannon, Japan</td><td>SSA-550A</td><td>nil</td></tr></tbody></table>

ultrasonographic assessment during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The US-CAB (Ultrasound, Circulation/Airway/Breathing) protocol integrates several sonographic techniques into a structured assessment of the circulation, airway, and breathing status of a patient during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an advanced life support-compliant manner. US-C provides a subxiphoid view of the heart, to look for potentially reversible causes of disease, such as pericardial effusion, pulmonary embolism, hypovolemia, and acute coronary thrombosis. Sonographic cardiac activity during CPR not only helps differentiate pseudo-pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from true PEA but also represents a higher chance of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival. Evaluation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) shows the fluid status of the patient and indicates the best methods to use for fluid resuscitation. If aortic dissection is suspected, a subxiphoid view of the aorta is suggested for identifying an intimal flap. Once intubation is done, tracheal ultrasound (US-A) at the suprasternal notch helps differentiate endotracheal intubation (one air-mucosal interface with one comet-tail) from esophageal intubation (double tract sign). Immediately following US-A, bilateral lung US (US-B) should be done to confirm proper bilateral ventilation using the lung sliding sign. In addition, US-C can be serially followed to see the dynamic changes in the cardiac chambers and IVC, or any cardiac contraction suggestive of ROSC. US-B can also detect coexisting lung or pleural pathologies without interfering with the performance of CPR. The main concern when implementing this method is maintaining high-quality CPR without delays in chest compressions when performing US-CAB. Rigorous training and continued practice are key to minimize any interruptions during resuscitation.

US-C with subxiphoid evaluation of the heart displays a cardiac four-chamber view as shown in Figure 3A. At this point, detection of any of the three typical patterns suggestive of specific etiologies or reversible factors is possible.
Identify the presence and characters of pericardial effusion: If pericardial effusion is present, notice if the right heart chambers (i.e., the right atrium or even the right ventricle) are compressed. If compression of the right at...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at JoVE.com

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Here, we present a US-CAB (Ultrasound, Circulation/Airway/Breathing) protocol for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). US-C evaluates the subxiphoid view of the heart and inferior vena cava. After intubation, tracheal US (US-A) and lung US (US-B) help confirm endotracheal intubation and proper ventilation.

The US-CAB (Ultrasound, Circulation/Airway/Breathing) protocol integrates several sonographic techniques into a structured assessment of the circulation, ...

ultrasonographic-assessment-during-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation

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6.4K Views.  National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine. Here, we present a US-CAB (Ultrasound, Circulation/Airway/Breathing) protocol for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). US-C evaluates the subxiphoid view of the heart and inferior vena cava. After intubation, tracheal US (US-A) and lung US (US-B) help confirm endotracheal intubation and proper ventilation.

Video: Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) results in abnormal cardiac function that is apparent antenatally due to advances in fetoplacental Doppler ultrasound and fetal echocardiography. Increasingly, these imaging modalities are being employed clinically to examine cardiac function and assess wellbeing in utero, thereby guiding timing of birth decisions. Here, we used a rabbit model of IUGR that allows analysis of cardiac function in a clinically relevant way. Using isoflurane induced anesthesia, IUGR is surgically created at gestational age day 25 by performing a laparotomy, exposing the bicornuate uterus and then ligating 40-50% of uteroplacental vessels supplying each gestational sac in a single uterine horn. The other horn in the rabbit bicornuate uterus serves as internal control fetuses. Then, after recovery at gestational age day 30 (full term), the same rabbit undergoes examination of fetal cardiac function. Anesthesia is induced with ketamine and xylazine intramuscularly, then maintained by a continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine and xylazine to minimize iatrogenic effects on fetal cardiac function. A repeat laparotomy is performed to expose each gestational sac and a microultrasound examination (VisualSonics VEVO 2100) of fetal cardiac function is performed. Placental insufficiency is evident by a raised pulsatility index or an absent or reversed end diastolic flow of the umbilical artery Doppler waveform. The ductus venosus and middle cerebral artery Doppler is then examined. Fetal echocardiography is performed by recording B mode, M mode and flow velocity waveforms in lateral and apical views. Offline calculations determine standard M-mode cardiac variables, tricuspid and mitral annular plane systolic excursion, speckle tracking and strain analysis, modified myocardial performance index and vascular flow velocity waveforms of interest. This small animal model of IUGR therefore affords examination of in utero cardiac function that is consistent with current clinical practice and is therefore useful in a translational research setting.

We describe examination of fetal cardiac function with contemporary functional fetal echocardiography and fetoplacental Doppler ultrasound using the VisualSonics VEVO 2100 microultrasound in a surgically induced model of intrauterine fetal growth restriction in a rabbit.

Fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) results in abnormal cardiac function that is apparent antenatally due to advances in fetoplacental Doppler ...

Ultrasonic Assessment of Myocardial Microstructure

Echocardiography is a widely accessible imaging modality that is commonly used to noninvasively characterize and quantify changes in cardiac structure and function. Ultrasonic assessments of cardiac tissue can include analyses of backscatter signal intensity within a given region of interest. Previously established techniques have relied predominantly on the integrated or mean value of backscatter signal intensities, which may be susceptible to variability from aliased data from low frame rates and time delays for algorithms based on cyclic variation. Herein, we describe an ultrasound-based imaging algorithm that extends from previous methods, can be applied to a single image frame&#160;and accounts for the full distribution of signal intensity values derived from a given myocardial sample. When applied to representative mouse and human imaging data, the algorithm distinguishes between subjects with and without exposure to chronic afterload resistance. The algorithm offers an enhanced surrogate measure of myocardial microstructure and can be performed using open-access image analysis software.

Echocardiography is commonly used to noninvasively characterize and quantify changes in cardiac structure and function. We describe an ultrasound-based imaging algorithm that offers an enhanced surrogate measure of myocardial microstructure and can be performed using open-access image analysis software.

Echocardiography is a widely accessible imaging modality that is commonly used to noninvasively characterize and quantify changes in cardiac structure and ...

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies

Longitudinal evaluations of critically ill patients by combinations of clinical examination, biochemical analysis and critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) may detect adverse events of interventions such as fluid overload at an early stage. The Simple Intensive Care Studies (SICS) is a research line that focuses on the prognostic and diagnostic value of combinations of clinical variables.
The SICS-I specifically focused on the use of clinical variables obtained within 24 h of acute admission for prediction of cardiac output (CO) and mortality. Its sequel, SICS-II, focuses on repeated evaluations during ICU admission. The first clinical examination by trained researchers is performed within 3 h after admission consisting of physical examination and educated guessing. The second clinical examination is performed within 24 h after admission and includes physical examination and educated guessing, biochemical analysis and CCUS assessments of heart, lungs, inferior vena cava (IVC) and kidney. This evaluation is repeated at days 3 and 5 after admission. CCUS images are validated by an independent expert, and all data is registered in an online secured database. Follow-up at 90 days includes registration of complications and survival status according to patient&#39;s medical charts and the municipal person registry. The primary focus of SICS-II is the association between venous congestion and organ dysfunction.
The purpose of publishing this protocol is to provide details on the structure and methods of this on-going prospective observational cohort study allowing answering multiple research questions. The design of the data collection of combined clinical examination and CCUS assessments in critically ill patients are explicated. The SICS-II is open for other centers to participate and is open for other research questions that can be answered with our data.

Structured protocols are necessary to provide answers on research questions in critically ill patients. The Simple Intensive Care Studies (SICS) provides an infrastructure for repeated measurements in critically ill patients including clinical examination, biochemical analysis and ultrasonography. SICS projects have specific focus but the structure is flexible to other investigations.

Longitudinal evaluations of critically ill patients by combinations of clinical examination, biochemical analysis and critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) ...

Transthoracic Echocardiography to Assess Post-Resuscitation Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest in Pigs

One of the main causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest, approximately 70% of patients die before hospital discharge due to post-resuscitation myocardial and cerebral dysfunction. In experimental models, myocardial dysfunction after cardiac arrest, characterized by an impairment in both left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, has been described as reversible but very little data are available in cardiac arrest models associated with AMI in pigs. Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line diagnostic test for the assessment of myocardial dysfunction, structural changes and/or AMI extension. In this pig model of ischemic cardiac arrest, echocardiography was done at baseline and 2-4 and 96 hours after resuscitation. In the acute phase, the examinations are done in anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs (weight 39.8 &#177; 0.6 kg) and ECG is recorded continuously. Mono- and bi-dimensional, Doppler and tissue Doppler recordings are acquired. Aortic and left atrium diameter, end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricular wall thicknesses, end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and shortening fraction (SF) are measured. Apical 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-chamber views are acquired, LV volumes and ejection fraction are calculated. Segmental wall motion analysis is done to detect the localization and estimate the extent of myocardial infarction. Pulsed Wave Doppler echocardiography is used to record trans-mitral flow velocities from a 4-apical chamber view and trans-aortic flow from a 5-chamber view to calculate LV cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV). Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) of LV lateral and septal mitral anulus is recorded (TDI septal and lateral s&#39;, e&#39;, a&#39; velocities). All the recordings and measurements are done according to the recommendations of the American and European Societies of Echocardiography Guidelines.

Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line diagnostic test for post-resuscitation left ventricular dysfunction and structural changes in a pig model of cardiac arrest.

One of the main causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest, ...

Functional Assessment of the Donor Heart During Ex Situ Perfusion: Insights from Pressure-Volume Loops and Surface Echocardiography

Heart transplantation remains the gold standard treatment for advanced heart failure. However, the current critical organ shortage has resulted in the allocation of a growing number of donor hearts with extended criteria. These marginal grafts are associated with a high risk of primary graft failure and may benefit from ex situ perfusion before transplant. This technology allows for extended organ preservation using warm oxygenated blood perfusion with continuous metabolic monitoring. The only NESP device currently available for clinical practice perfuses the organ in an unloaded non-working state, which does not allow for functional assessment of the beating heart. We therefore developed an original platform of NESP in working mode conditions with adjustment of left ventricular preload and afterload. This protocol was applied in porcine hearts. Ex situ functional assessment of the heart was achieved with intracardiac conductance catheterization and surface echocardiography. Along with a description of the experimental protocol, we herein report the main results, as well as pearls and pitfalls associated with the acquisition of pressure-volume loops and myocardial power during NESP. Correlations between hemodynamic findings and ultrasound variables are of major interest, especially for further rehabilitation of donor hearts before transplantation. This protocol aims to improve the assessment of donor hearts to both increase the donor pool and reduce the incidence of primary graft failure.

Functional Assessment of the Donor Heart During Ex Situ Perfusion: Insights from Pressure-Volume Loops and Surface Echocardiography

A reliable noninvasive approach for functional assessment of the donor heart during normothermic ex situ heart perfusion (NESP) is lacking. We herein describe a protocol for ex situ assessment of myocardial performance using the epicardial echocardiography and conductance catheter method.

Heart transplantation remains the gold standard treatment for advanced heart failure. However, the current critical organ shortage has resulted in the ...

Continuous Venous-Arterial Doppler Ultrasound During a Preload Challenge

A preload challenge (PC) is a clinical maneuver that, first, increases the cardiac filling (i.e., preload) and, second, calculates the change in cardiac output. Fundamentally, a PC is a bedside approach for testing the Frank-Starling-Sarnoff (i.e., "cardiac function") curve. Normally, this curve has a steep slope such that a small change in the cardiac preload generates a large change in the stroke volume (SV) or cardiac output. However, in various disease states, the slope of this relationship flattens such that increasing the volume into the heart leads to little rise in the SV. In this pathological scenario, additional cardiac preload (e.g., intravenous fluid) is unlikely to be physiologically effective and could lead to harm if organ congestion evolves. Therefore, inferring both the cardiac preload and output is clinically useful as it may guide intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation. Accordingly, the goal of this protocol is to describe a method for contemporaneously tracking the surrogates of cardiac preload and output using a novel, wireless, wearable ultrasound during a well-validated preload challenge.

The Frank-Starling-Sarnoff curve is clinically important and describes the relationship between cardiac preload and output. This report illustrates a novel method of simultaneous jugular venous and carotid arterial Doppler velocimetry as transient surrogates of cardiac preload and output, respectively; this approach is enabled by wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound.

A preload challenge (PC) is a clinical maneuver that, first, increases the cardiac filling (i.e., preload) and, second, calculates the change in cardiac ...

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Consultative ultrasound performed by radiologists has traditionally not been used for imaging the lungs, as the lungs&#39; air-filled nature normally prevents direct visualization of the lung parenchyma. When showing the lung parenchyma, ultrasound typically generates a number of non-anatomic artifacts. However, over the past several decades, these artifacts have been studied by diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practitioners, who have identified findings that have value in narrowing the differential diagnoses of cardiopulmonary dysfunction. For instance, in patients presenting with dyspnea, lung POCUS is superior to chest radiography (CXR) for the diagnosis of pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, lung consolidations, and pleural effusions. Despite its known diagnostic value, the utilization of lung POCUS in clinical medicine remains variable, in part because training in this modality across hospitals remains inconsistent. To address this educational gap, this narrative review describes lung POCUS image acquisition in adults, including patient positioning, transducer selection, probe placement, acquisition sequence, and image optimization.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the lungs provides quick answers in rapidly changing clinical scenarios. We present an efficient and informative protocol for image acquisition for use in acute care settings.

Consultative ultrasound performed by radiologists has traditionally not been used for imaging the lungs, as the lungs&#39; air-filled nature normally ...

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

The use of routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with several centers advocating for 24 h equipment availability. In 2018, the sonographic algorithm for life-threatening emergencies (SAFE) protocol was published, which allows the assessment of neonates with sudden decompensation to identify abnormal contractility, tamponade, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. In the study unit (with a consulting neonatal hemodynamics and POCUS service), the algorithm was adapted by including consolidated core steps to support at-risk newborns, aiding clinicians in managing cardiac arrest, and adding views to verify correct intubation. This paper presents a protocol that can be applied in the NICU and the delivery room (DR) in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation. 
This protocol can be performed with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine or an affordable handheld device; the image acquisition protocol is carefully detailed. This method was designed to be learned as a general competence to obtain the timely diagnosis of life-threatening scenarios; the method aims to save time but does not represent a substitute for comprehensive and standardized hemodynamic and radiological analyses by a multidisciplinary team, which might not universally be on call but needs to be involved in the process. From January 2019 to July 2022, in our center, 1,045 hemodynamic consultation/POCUS consults were performed with 25 patients requiring the modified SAFE protocol (2.3%), and a total of 19 procedures were performed. In five cases, trained fellows on call resolved life-threatening situations. Clinical examples are provided that show the importance of including this technique in the care of critical newborns.

Here, we present a protocol that can be applied in the neonatal intensive care unit and the delivery room in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation. This protocol can be performed with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine or an affordable handheld device; an image acquisition protocol is carefully detailed.

The use of routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with several centers advocating for 24 h ...

POCUS Protocol for IVC Assessment in Management of Heart Failure

Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients

Management and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure remain highly prevalent and challenging medical conditions. Incorporation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as an adjunctive tool for assessing volume status and treatment response has shown significant promise. POCUS can be used for imaging internal anatomic structures serially and capturing these images for comparison and measurement over time. This protocol describes a scalable and standardized methodology for the serial assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The methodology includes serial image collection, measurement, and presentation in the electronic medical record. A workflow for POCUS-acquired images of the IVC was created to capture the images and measure the diameter in a discrete data field for direct comparison over time and in response to clinical management. The protocol also includes the assessment of the presence or absence of pleural effusion as discrete data in the standardized workflow. By integrating POCUS into heart failure management, clinicians can improve patient outcomes through more precise and timely adjustments in treatment.

Author Spotlight: Workflow for Integrating POCUS Data into EHR for Managing Heart Failure Patients

This protocol presents a scalable workflow for the use of point-of-care ultrasound in the management of hospitalized and outpatient heart failure patients.

Management and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure remain highly prevalent and challenging medical conditions. Incorporation of Point-of-Care ...

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Peripheral Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Without Left Ventricular Venting

Over the past several decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has become a critical tool in the management of patients with severe cardiogenic shock and cardiopulmonary failure. Due to the inherent instability of these patients, their transport away from intensive care units is fraught with risk. As a result, bedside diagnostic tools are essential for their daily care. One such tool is point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the heart, which can non-invasively assess several parameters: left ventricular (LV) performance (size, systolic function, stroke volume, aortic valve opening), right ventricular (RV) performance (size, systolic function), and the presence of intracardiac thrombus. Additionally, POCUS can assist in evaluating readiness for V-A ECMO weaning and eventual decannulation. Despite its potential, the use of POCUS in the context of V-A ECMO remains inconsistent due to variability in provider training. This study aims to address this gap by detailing POCUS image acquisition in V-A ECMO, particularly in the absence of LV venting. It covers key aspects such as patient positioning, transducer selection, probe placement, acquisition sequence, and image optimization.

This protocol outlines the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to monitor patients on peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) without left ventricular venting. It evaluates left ventricular distension, intracardiac or aortic root thrombus, and identifies useful cardiac POCUS parameters for weaning from V-A ECMO.

Over the past several decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) has become a critical tool in the management of patients with ...

Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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