Wireless point-of-care ultrasound: First experiences with a new generation handheld device

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic reliability of a new generation wireless point-of care ultrasound device for abdominal and thoracic findings.

Material and methods: 40 patients (16 females, 24 males 19 -80 years, on average 56.1 years) were scanned by an experienced examiner using the new wireless Vscan Air device for abdominal and thoracic findings. The probe frequencies were 2-5 MHz (convex probe) and 3-12 MHz for the linear probe. As a reference standard, all patients were also examined using high-end ultrasound (LOGIQ E9/LOGIQ E10). Results were interpreted independently by two examiners in consensus, also with regard to the image quality (0-4, from not assessable = 0, to excellent 4).

Results: In all 40 patients (100%) examination with conventional high-end ultrasound and the Vscan Air ultrasound device was feasible. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of abdominal and thoracic findings were 63.3%, 100%, 100%, and 40%, respectively. Most main diagnostic findings were detected using the mobile device compared to the high-end ultrasound. Limitations were found regarding characterization and classification of hepatic and renal tumorous lesions.Image quality revealed mostly minor diagnostic limitations for the mobile device, mean 2.9 (SD ± 0.300) and was excellent or with only minor diagnostic limitations for conventional high-end ultrasound, mean 3.25 (SD ± 0.438).

Conclusion: Due to its easy application and its high diagnostic reliability, point-of-care ultrasound systems of the latest generation represent a valuable imaging method for the primary assessment of abdominal and thoracic findings, especially in patients on intensive care units or in emergency situations.