The concept of bedside EUS

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Bedside endoscopy is established for emergent diagnosis and therapy.
• The utility of bedside endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) requires further validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical impact of bedside EUS.
• To assess the effect of bedside EUS on patient management.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary-referral center.
• Bedside EUS was performed on critically ill patients with pancreaticobiliary and thoracic disorders.
• A mobile EUS cart with a therapeutic curvilinear echoendoscope was utilized.

Main Results:

• Six patients underwent technically successful bedside EUS with no complications.
• Bedside EUS established new diagnoses in 3 patients and ruled out conditions in 2 others.
• Management was impacted in all patients, with new diagnoses, avoidance of other procedures, and focused endotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Bedside EUS is technically feasible and safe for critically ill patients.
• This procedure facilitates diagnosis and therapy at the patient's bedside.
• Bedside EUS significantly aids in the clinical management of critically ill individuals.