Implementation of real-time ultrasound in a thoracic surgery practice.
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.
Coonar
Aman S
AS
Thoracic Surgery & Lung Transplant, Department of Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada. aman.coonar@papworth.nhs.uk
Hughes
Jacqueline A
JA
Walker
Susan
S
dePerrot
Marc
M
Waddell
Thomas K
TK
Pierre
Andrew F
AF
Darling
Gail E
GE
Johnston
Michael R
MR
Keshavjee
Shaf
S
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*