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Portable computed tomography performed on the intensive care unit
Ulf K M Teichgräber1, Jens Pinkernelle, Jan-Steffen Jürgensen
1Department of Radiology, Charité Campus, Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt University, Augustenburgerplatz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. ulf.teichgraeber@charitie.de
Intensive Care Medicine
|January 25, 2003
Summary
Portable computed tomography (CT) in intensive care units (ICUs) offers significant diagnostic gains. This technology improved patient management and allowed for immediate interventions without reported hazards.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Technology
Background:
- Portable computed tomography (CT) offers a novel approach to imaging critically ill patients.
- Assessing the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of portable CT in the intensive care unit (ICU) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic gain and therapeutic consequences of using portable CT in an ICU setting.
- To determine the feasibility and safety of portable CT examinations for critically ill patients.
Main Methods:
- 14 portable chest CT examinations were conducted on 10 ICU patients.
- Patients included those requiring maximum intensive care (TISS28 >40) and high mortality risk (MODS >25%).
- Examinations were performed either in the patient room for non-transportable patients or in a dedicated interventional suite on the ICU.
Main Results:
- 57% of portable CT examinations led to a change in patient management within 48 hours.
- All patients benefited from the portable CT scans.
- No adverse events or hazards were associated with the portable CT examinations.
Conclusions:
- Performing portable CT in an ICU interventional suite facilitates immediate minimally invasive therapeutic interventions.
- This approach ensures continuous full ICU monitoring during diagnostic imaging.
- Portable CT is a valuable tool for enhancing patient care and management in the ICU.