https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22795411/
9/30/2020
Reviewer: Dr. Warren Linnerooth
Summary: This article proposes ED physicians can accurately measure cardiac index, VTI, LVOT by performing bedside focused cardiac ultrasound in the ED. The accuracy of POCUS bedside measurements performed by ED physicians compared favorably to measurements obtained by a certified cardiac sonographer via traditional TTE.
Limitations: Measurement of VTI only practical for patients in which it is possible to obtain a clear apical 5 chamber view with proper alignment of pulse Doppler sample volume, ideally parallel to flow, or within 20-30 degrees of parallel.
Practice Changing? Yes
Take Home Point: For critical-care patients, in which it is possible to obtain a clear apical 5 chamber view, a trained ED physician can measure VTI with an accuracy which compares reasonably with traditional transthoracic echocardiography. Extrapolating: measuring VTI in non-crashing, critical-care patients can provide a useful tool in the ED to trend response to fluids and pressors.