I. Physics, Equipment, and Image Quality

摘要

Ultrasound has long been accepted as a safe and accurate imaging modality for patients who are critically ill. Greater affordability and portability have made point-of-care ultrasound an available tool for the critical care physician. The initial penetration of ultrasound into the intensive care unit was driven by the success of ultrasound-guided vascular catheter insertion (1-3). Now, increasing numbers of providers are seeking broader applications to improve critical care practice. However, safe application requires a general understanding of ultrasound physics and advanced skills in image and artifact interpretation. This article is designed to introduce basic physics, equipment used, and factors that contribute to image quality.