Choose the One from All, An Objective Review

2022 07/19

- A Case Study by Wiley, physician specialized in Pulmonogy and Critical Care in Taiwan

Introduction

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is now a game changing survey for patients in emergency department or critical care unit. The traditional ultrasound machines provide good quality of images but they are heavy and expensive. Especially in the era of COVID-19, a portable, easy-to-use and easily disinfected ultrasound machine is a must for physicians.

Choose the One from All

To choose a suitable device for POCUS, I did a review chart of the brands and portable devices in the market. As a physician, both convex probe for abdominal survey and linear probe for vessel evaluation are necessary. Sector probe could be replaced with convex probe in critical care condition so that is not so important. Wireless feature is necessary in the COVID-19 era. Price is also an issue if your hospital cannot buy one for you.

Comparison of portable ultrasound machines on the market.

	EagleView	GE Vcan	LeSono	Clarius C5	Alpinion	Philips Lumify	Butterfly iQ+
Transducer
Dual	V	V
Convex	V	V	V	V	V	V
Linear	V		V	V	V	V
Sector				V		V	V
Signal	Wifi	Wifi	Wifi	Wifi	Cable	Cable	Cable
Price (USD)	3,200	4,495	4,000	4,900	6,000	7,000	1,999+
Max Depth (cm)	30.5	24	18	40	30	30	30
Modes
B-mode	V	V	V	V	V	V	V
M-mode	V		V	V	V	V	V
CF	V	V	V	V	V	V	V
PD	V		V	V	V		V
PWD	V		V	1,000 USD	V		US, Canada Only
Weight (g)	260	205	388	392	175	135	309
Charging	Wireless	Wireless	Wireless	Charger	USB	USB	Wireless
Scan Time	4 hrs	50 min	4 hrs	1 hrs	5 hrs	2hrs	2 hrs
Annual Fee	No	No	No	No	No	199*12	420

Due to the limit ability of reviewing, some companies may not included.
CF: color flow; PD: power Doppler; PWD: pulsed-wave Doppler. *199USD per month for rental, including machine and pad.

The device I received was in a compact box, including a charger pad, brief manual and the EagleView itself. Then I did some scans on the patients and my self immediately.

Case 1: Vessel demonstration

Demonstration of left common carotid artery and internal jugular vein in B mode.

Demonstration of left common carotid artery and internal jugular vein with color doppler.

The image quality is suitable for sono-guided needle placement.

These were the images obtained from a 95-year-old man who was admitted to ICU for septic shock and we need to place a central venous catheter for him.

Case 2: Pleural effusion

Demonstration of bilateral pleural effusion. The picture shows small amount pleural effusion with collapsed lung, diaphragm and spleen.

The picture shows large amount pleural effusion, diaphragm and liver.

These images were obtained from a 80-year-old man with heart failure and general edema. Chest film showed bilateral blunt costophrenic angles. We planned to place a pigtail to drain his pleural effusion out.