Introducing the Perioperative Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) Special Interest Group (SIG)

American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management—November 1, 2016

The American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists (ASRA) published an article in the ASRA Newsletter co-authored by Stephen C. Haskins, MD, introducing a special interest group (SIG) dedicated to the emerging role of a point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in the perioperative setting for regional anesthesiology and pain specialists. The article outlines the mission of the new SIG, including the creation of a sold out 2-day 'Introduction to Perioperative POCUS' course taking place in San Diego in Febuary 2017.

"PoCUS diagnostic applications relevant to regional anesthesia practice are, in many cases, superior to traditional imaging modalities and clinical assessment tools", writes Dr. Haskins. "Many studies have shown that minimal training is required to become proficient at basic, yet potentially life-saving PoCUS skills."

PoCUS techniques such as lung ultrasound and focused cardiac ultrasound are vital tools that allow anesthesiologists to rapidly assess at the bedside for potentially life-threatening cardio-pulmonary events, as well as differentiate between complications related to regional anesthesia techniques and other pathology.

Read the full article at ASRA.org.