Pulmonology and Critical Care

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Critical Care Medicine

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool in critical care settings. This session explores the diverse applications of POCUS in evaluating lung, cardiac, abdominal, and vascular conditions at the bedside. Emphasis is placed on its utility in rapidly diagnosing pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, and guiding procedures such as central line placement and thoracentesis. The session also highlights protocols like BLUE, RUSH, and FALLS, which streamline assessments in emergency and ICU environments. Training, credentialing, and standardization of POCUS practices are discussed to ensure safe and effective implementation. Advances in handheld ultrasound devices and their integration with telemedicine platforms are reviewed. With a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and response time, this session equips clinicians with practical insights into using POCUS to enhance patient outcomes and optimize resource use in intensive care.