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Updated: May 28, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Ultrasound in the surgical intensive care unit
Dan A Galvan1, Kazuhide Matsushima, Heidi L Frankel
1Division of Trauma Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery, Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. dgalvan@hmc.psu.edu
Abstract:
Ultrasonography in the intensive care unit (ICU) has become a valuable tool for expeditiously, safely and effectively diagnosing and treating a myriad of conditions commonly encountered in this setting. Most surgeons are familiar with FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) and can readily grasp the fundamentals of a limited or directed ultrasonographic exam. Thus, with appropriate training and practice, surgeons can utilize this tool in visualizing, characterizing and treating life-threatening conditions in their role as intensivists in the surgical ICU (SICU). In this review we will discuss the role of ultrasonography in evaluating the acute cardiac status of a patient in the SICU as well as its use in general critical care for assessing the thoracic, abdominal and vascular systems.
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