Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in the Pediatric Perioperative Setting

Anesth Analg. 2019 Oct;129(4):925-932. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004357.

Abstract

Focused cardiac ultrasonography (FoCUS) has become an important diagnostic tool for acute care physicians. FoCUS allows real-time visualization of the heart and, in combination with the physical examination, acts as a hemodynamic monitor to manage patient care in acute situations. Most of the available perioperative literature has focused on adult patients. Little has been published on the perioperative application of FoCUS for pediatric patients. This article provides an overview of FoCUS used at the bedside by pediatric anesthesiologists. Variations in clinical applications, technical aspects, and interpretation of FoCUS findings in children are described. Discussion of training and competency is included. Barriers to implementation by pediatric intensivists and emergency medicine physicians include a lack of understanding of indications and training opportunities in pediatric FoCUS. It is likely that similar barriers exist in pediatric anesthesiology resulting in underutilization of FoCUS. The use of FoCUS in the pediatric operating room, however, may positively impact care of infants and children and should be encouraged.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Echocardiography*
  • Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma*
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Perioperative Care / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Workflow