Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound: Feasibility of performance by noncardiologists

Cardiac ultrasound has been used for decades to assess a wide variety of structural and functional pathology, as well as to monitor response to therapy. It offers the advantages of noninvasive, real-time dynamic functional assessment without the risk of radiation. Cardiologists have traditionally employed this modality and have established robust guidelines on the use of echocardiography. However, other specialties such as emergency medicine and critical care have realized the benefit of cardiac ultrasound and have established specialty guidelines in its use. There is growing evidence for the benefit of cardiac ultrasound at the point of care on hospital wards, clinics, and even pre-hospital environments as well. The pervasive use of focused ultrasound is perhaps most evident in the advent of ultrasound training in undergraduate medical curricula. This paper reviews some of the key literature on the use of focused, point-of-care ultrasound by noncardiologists. Feasibility, clinical utility, and emerging trends are reviewed.