P274 Continous echocardiographic monitoring in intensive cardiac care unit with external probe stabilizer - preliminary experience

Abstract Background The role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the intensive cardiac care unit is crucial. Imaging is currently performed at the bedside for diagnosis but TTE has also potential to noninvasively provide critical views to assist in patient monitoring. Continuous monitoring would be especially helpful when the patient is unstable; however, continuous availability of skilled sonographers to obtain appropriate views represents a limiting factor. Purpose Recently, an innovative external fixation device allowing prolonged stabilization of transthoracic ultrasound transducer was introduced. The ring-shaped device fitted for TTE probes is attached to the patient by elastic straps to hold the probe in contact with the skin at a fixed but adjustable angle. We developed a research project to assess for the first time the feasibility of continuous TTE imaging with external probe fixation in the intensive cardiac care unit. Methods 12 patients (10 men, mean age 66,5 ± 15 years) hospitalized in intensive cardiac care unit due to cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, end-stage heart failure or respiratory failure were included in the study. The echocardiographic probe be was fixed in the apical window providing a four-chamber view to monitor left ventricular function. We assessed the patient’s tolerance and comfort as well as the quality of images acquired at baseline and at the end of monitoring. Results Fixation of the probe was successful in all patients (figure 1). The mean time of fixation was 10 ± 1 minute, with a clear learning curve. The quality of obtained images was sufficient for evaluation and was maintained throughout the entire period of monitoring in all patients. Monitoring was stopped at patients’ request when discomfort caused by the compression of the skin by the probe and the fixation device became significant (figure 2). The mean duration of monitoring was 85 + 64 minutes (range 15 to 240 minutes). Conclusions In this preliminary series we have demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of echocardiographic continuous monitoring of patients in the intensive cardiac care unit using TTE probe with the external fixation device. The design of the fixation device opens the evident field for optimization to extend monitoring duration at acceptable levels of discomfort in conscious intensive care patients. We hope the improved version of the fixator will decrease the pressure on the body. Abstract P274 Figure. Fixation of the device