Stories That Inspire Global Impact

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…

Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction in Critical Care refers to the impaired ability of the heart's main pumping chamber to effectively pump blood. This critical condition, often assessed via bedside ultrasound, can manifest as systolic dysfunction (reduced ejection of blood) or diastolic dysfunction (impaired filling). Early ultrasound detection is crucial for managing acute heart failure, cardiogenic…

Stroke Volume Variation (SVV) is a key dynamic preload indicator in critical care, assessed through advanced hemodynamic monitoring, including ultrasound. It quantifies the beat-to-beat variability in stroke volume, reflecting changes in cardiac output related to respiratory cycles. This measurement is crucial for guiding fluid management in mechanically ventilated patients, helping clinicians determine fluid responsiveness and…

Sepsis monitoring in critical care involves continuous assessment of vital signs, lab parameters, and organ function to detect and manage sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Ultrasound plays a crucial role by providing real-time insights into hemodynamics, cardiac function, fluid status, and source identification, guiding immediate interventions. Early and accurate sepsis monitoring, particularly with medical…

IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) variation in Critical Care ultrasound assesses a patient's fluid status and volume responsiveness. This dynamic measurement involves observing changes in the IVC diameter during the respiratory cycle, indicating how well a patient might respond to fluid administration. It's a key hemodynamic parameter, especially in hypotensive or septic shock patients. Understanding IVC…

In Critical Care, CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy) catheter guidance uses ultrasound to precisely insert vascular access catheters for critically ill patients requiring continuous kidney support. This technique enhances patient safety and efficacy by visualizing vessels and surrounding anatomy, minimizing complications like arterial puncture or pneumothorax, crucial for renal replacement therapy. Ultrasound guidance optimizes the…