Ultrasonografia w intensywnej terapii

Ultrasound has been revolutionizing our specialty. Introduction of new, portable machines and goal directed protocols has led many anaesthetists to use this diagnostic tool in their daily practice. Immediate, bedside ultrasound diagnosis of many life-threatening emergencies (pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, or internal haemorrhage) enables not only institution of proper treatment, but also monitoring of its effectiveness. Ultrasound guided invasive procedures (such as vascular cannulations, toraco- and pericardiocentesis) supersede the old anatomical landmarks-based techniques due to increased safety margin. In order to perform credible ultrasound examination, proper level of competence is required. In this review article authors present the variety of critical ultrasound aplications.