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Lung rockets, also known as B-lines, are a critical ultrasound finding in critical care, indicative of interstitial edema or fluid in the lungs. These vertical, hyperechoic artifacts originate from the pleural line and extend to the bottom of the screen, moving synchronously with lung sliding. Their presence suggests conditions like pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress…

In critical care, hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition resulting from severe fluid or blood loss, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Common causes include hemorrhage, severe dehydration, or burns. Early recognition and aggressive fluid resuscitation are crucial for patient survival. Medical ultrasound plays a vital role in rapidly identifying the source of…

In Critical Care, distributive shock is a severe medical condition characterized by widespread vasodilation, leading to a drastic reduction in systemic vascular resistance. This profound vasodilation results in inadequate tissue perfusion, despite often normal or even elevated cardiac output, as blood pools peripherally rather than returning effectively to the heart. Common causes include sepsis (septic…

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) cannula guidance in critical care involves using ultrasound to accurately place cannulas for life support. This crucial medical application ensures precise vascular access for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure, minimizing complications like vessel injury or malposition. Real-time ultrasound visualization during the procedure enhances safety and efficacy, optimizing patient outcomes…

Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO) is a life-support technique used in Critical Care for patients with severe respiratory failure. It extracts deoxygenated blood from the venous system, oxygenates it externally via an artificial lung, and returns it to the venous system, bypassing the patient's compromised lungs. This method allows the lungs to rest and…

Veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) is a life-sustaining critical care intervention providing temporary support for severe heart and lung failure. In VA-ECMO, deoxygenated blood is drained from a vein, oxygenated by an external membrane lung, and then returned to an artery, bypassing the heart and lungs. This mechanical circulatory support allows these organs to rest and recover.…

In critical care, hemodynamic monitoring is the continuous assessment of a patient's cardiovascular system to evaluate blood flow, pressure, and oxygen delivery. This vital process uses various tools, from non-invasive blood pressure cuffs to invasive arterial lines and pulmonary artery catheters, providing real-time data on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance.…

Pericardial tamponade is a life-threatening condition in critical care where excessive fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart and severely impeding its ability to pump blood. This leads to decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and shock. Rapid diagnosis via point-of-care ultrasound is crucial, revealing diastolic collapse of the right ventricle/atrium and a dilated inferior…

In critical care ultrasound, RV strain in PE refers to the acute right ventricular dysfunction caused by increased afterload due to a pulmonary embolism (PE). This crucial finding indicates the right ventricle is struggling to pump blood against elevated pulmonary pressures, leading to dilation and impaired contractility. Early identification through bedside ultrasound is vital for…