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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
08:45
Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
Published on: April 18, 2025
The pocket echocardiograph: a useful new tool?
1Morriston Cardiac Centre, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK.
Summary
Portable echocardiography using the Acuson P10 scanner enables accurate qualitative assessment of left ventricular (LV) size and function. This handheld device is effective in tertiary cardiology practice for evaluating LV dimensions and LVEF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Hand-carried ultrasound devices are rapidly advancing in miniaturization.
- The Acuson P10 represents the latest in compact portable echocardiography technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic capability of the Acuson P10 portable echocardiograph.
- To assess its effectiveness in qualitative evaluation of left ventricular (LV) size and function.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 30 unselected patients in a tertiary cardiac facility.
- Focused echocardiographic scans (parasternal long-axis, apical four-chamber views) were performed for a maximum of 4 minutes.
- Qualitative assessment of LV dimensions (LVD) and ejection fraction (LVEF) was compared with alternative imaging modalities.
Main Results:
- Feasible qualitative assessment of LVEF and LVD in 77% of patients.
- Findings were confirmed by alternative imaging in 83% of assessed cases.
- Parasternal long-axis views obtained in 93% and apical four-chamber views in 77% of patients.
Conclusions:
- The Acuson P10 'pocket scanner' provides accurate qualitative assessment of LV dimensions and function.
- It is a valuable tool for a significant proportion of patients in tertiary cardiology settings.
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