Chapter 19: Focus cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS)

Focus cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is a point-of-care, simplified, problem-oriented, goal-directed application of echocardiography aimed at detecting a limited number of critical cardiac conditions in critical scenarios for time-sensitive clinical decision-making.
This limited approach is based on a “pattern recognition” interpretation, recognizing a few distinctive features of the cardiac ultrasonographic picture.
FoCUS is typically performed by clinicians with cardiac ultrasound training that is limited in comparison to comprehensive echocardiography. It is done by using any ultrasound machine capable of basic cardiac ultrasound modalities, in any in-hospital or out-of-hospital critical scenario.
The main goal of FoCUS is to uncover pathophysiology and mitigate diagnostic uncertainty and not necessarily reach a conclusive diagnosis.
FoCUS should entail a low-threshold trigger for further testing, typically, but not exclusively, comprehensive echocardiography.

Note: Videos do not contain any sound/audio description.

This content is restricted to only users who have bought the book. To get access to this content for this title please use the button below to request access. Please make sure you have a copy of the book if not then you can purchase one at www.routledge.com/9781032157009.