In October 2022 we had the honor to give another 3 Sequoias – Siemens ultrasound machines to Nicaragua. The following list shows specific clinical situations where the ultrasound influenced medical decision making which improved diagnostic accuracy and improved overall patient care.
Ophthalmology
- Assisted in the diagnosis of trauma pain when fluorescein angiography was not available
- Useful in patients with corneal opacification
ICU
- Used to verify patency and adequate perfusion of distal arteries when the exam reveals a cold extremity without palpable pulses
- Used to evaluate new onset pneumothorax
- Portability enabled quick access for critically ill patients, unlike the standard hospital ultrasound that required much more time for transport to the ICU
ER/Trauma
- Used to diagnose an arterial clot in the foot that was causing gangrenous toes
- Useful in FAST exams to evaluate for intra-abdominal bleeding
General Medicine
- Used to diagnose mitral valve prolapse in a young woman with tachycardia
- Used to evaluate pulmonary effusions on bedside rounds
- Used to evaluate lung consolidations
- Portability enables significantly faster and more frequent evaluation compared to the large standard unit in the Radiology department
Pediatrics
- Used in intracranial ultrasound in neonates
Obstetrics
- Used in prenatal monitoring exams
Community Clinics
- Used to evaluate for heart failure
- Used to diagnose a superficial cyst
