title: Implementation of real-time ultrasound in a thoracic surgery practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to implement real-time transthoracic ultrasound in a thoracic surgery and lung transplant practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ultrasound units that are light, small, robust, and portable are now available. Obstacles to use include demarcation issues between specialties, training, and a perception that basic ultrasound may be difficult to use. The experience of implementing this is described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a training period, 62 studies were performed in 4 months. Patients and clinicians gave positive feedback. The learning time was short, and with ultrasonic guidance, all interventional procedures were successful at the first attempt, without any complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Basic transthoracic ultrasound was found to be easy to learn and use by thoracic surgeons, fellows, and specialist nurses. Patients were appreciative. Real-time use may have genuine advantages to patient care.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery & Lung Transplant, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada. aman.coonar@papworth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Aman S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Coonar
authors.forename: Jacqueline A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: dePerrot
authors.forename: Thomas K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Waddell
authors.forename: Andrew F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Pierre
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Darling
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Shaf
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Keshavjee
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013909:Thorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*