Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

  Target Keywords: Cardiac Output measurement, Stroke Volume, LVOT VTI, Doppler echocardiography, Hemodynamic monitoring, POCUS, ICU. Introduction While assessing the Ejection Fraction (EF) provides a percentage-based view of heart function, Cardiac Output (CO) measures the actual volume of blood delivered to the tissues per minute. For anesthesiologists and intensivists, CO is a critical parameter for differentiating shock states and monitoring the response to fluids or inotropes. The Mathematical Foundation The calculation of Cardiac Output (CO) is based on the relationship between Stroke Volume (SV) and Heart Rate (HR): CO = SV x HR To find the Stroke Volume via ultrasound, we use the "Cylinder Model" of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT). The SV is the product of the Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) of the LVOT and the distance the blood travels through it during one beat (VTI). SV = CSA x VTI Step 1: Measuring the LVOT Diameter The first step is determining the area o...

Target Keywords: Left Ventricular Function, Echocardiography in ICU, LVEF, Simpson’s Biplane Method, MAPSE, EPSS, Hemodynamic Monitoring, POCUS Introduction Evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a cornerstone of hemodynamic monitoring in perioperative care and the ICU. While qualitative "eyeballing" is valuable for rapid assessment, quantitative measurements provide the objectivity needed for clinical decision-making and longitudinal tracking of a patient’s status. This article explores the primary quantitative methods used to assess LV global systolic function. 1. Linear Measurements (M-Mode and 2D) Linear dimensions are typically measured in the Parasternal Long-Axis (PLAX) view. LV is positioned so that the base is perpendicular to the beam orientation. 

Introduction: Why the "NPO" Rule is No Longer Enough While the traditional "6 hours for solids, 2 hours for clear liquids" (NPO — nil per os ) remains the gold standard, it often fails in the realities of the ICU and emergency surgery. Gastroparesis in diabetes , critical illness, opioid analgesia, or severe stress significantly slow gastric emptying. Gastric Ultrasound ( POCUS ) is the only objective bedside tool that allows an anesthesiologist to visualize gastric contents in real-time and prevent Mendelson's syndrome.

Introduction The Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a highly effective regional anesthesia technique providing analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall. Utilizing ultrasound guidance significantly enhances the safety and success rate of this procedure, allowing for real-time visualization of the needle, anatomical structures, and local anesthetic spread. This block is a cornerstone of multimodal analgesia in abdominal surgery.