Basic Procedure Pre-Learning
Thoracentesis
Please read from "Pleural Ultrasound Examination" through "Pleural Fluid Drainage"
Estimated time: 5 min
* Just-in-time learning video from Sonosite. Estimated time: 2 min
* UC Irvine's has a lecture covering LP, paracentesis, and thoracentesis. Start at the 9 minute point and listen to the end of the lecture for the thoracentesis section.
Start with the phased array probe. I recommend starting with the transducer marker oriented cranially to map out the pleural effusion, and then rotating the marker to the patient's left to identify your puncture site. Consider using the linear transducer to help with needle guidance.
Paracentesis
* The gentleman at Ultrasoundpodcast.com put together this short paracentesis video.
Pearls:
Consider performing FAST exam if you have difficulty finding abdominal free fluid.
Consider using color to identify vasculature at chosen puncture site.
Estimated time: 3 min
* UC Irvine's lecture covering procedures. Listen starting at the 5 minute point to 9 minutes. Estimated time: 4 min
Lumbar Puncture
* UC Irvine's lecture covering procedures. Listen to the first 5 minutes of the video for explanation of how to use US guidance during a LP.
Knee Arthrocentesis
IV Placement