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Inspirational Stories

Ultrasound Utility

In November and December 2017 we used the Philips Lumify curved and linear ultrasound probes in a variety of clinical applications in a two large regional hospitals (Jinotega and Rivas) and also in small clinics in the community. The feedback from the physicians was unanimously positive. The following list shows specific clinical situations where the ultrasound influenced the medical decision making which improved diagnostic accuracy and improved overall patient care:

Ophthalmology

  • Assisted in diagnosis with 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 reveal 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 diagnosed 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
  • Portability was essential for home visits in the community
  • Battery powered functionality is useful as consistent power is unreliable
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With the ultrasound I now know the foot is perfused and I don’t need to call the surgeon.

ICU Physician in Rivas Providence