Wireless handheld focused ultrasound in student teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: Initial results of a pilot study1

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the use of a novel device, the Vscan Air™, for rapidly and effectively performing ultrasound in student teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of the ultrasound practical course with integrated hands-on activity required by the regular medical curriculum, 100 medical students were instructed in the use of the Vscan Air™, including duplex mode. They then evaluated the quality of the ultrasound images obtained by the Vscan Air™ from previously selected organs. RESULTS: 100 students were interviewed (female n = 68, male n = 32; age >18 years n = 100). The rated image quality never fell below a mean of 3 for the examined organs and portal vein flow (liver 4,58; spleen 3,99; kidneys 4,29; aorta 4,16; Douglas/rectovesical space 4,14; portal vein 4,43; pancreas 3,53; Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma 4,38). Scores below 3 were found sporadically in ultrasounds of the spleen (n = 4), kidneys (n = 3), Douglas/rectovesical space (n = 2), and pancreas (n = 15). The liver was rated the lowest for 59 ratings. The portal vein was evaluated in 68 cases. The hepatic artery and hepatic veins could be also visualized in all 68 examinations. The aorta was evaluated in 62 cases. CONCLUSION: The Vscan Air™ technology offered adequate image quality and provided a new, fast and patient-oriented technique to support continuous ultrasound examinations and education of students, especially during a pandemic. Particularly noteworthy is the uncomplicated compliance with the required high level of hygiene.

Initial description of the novel handheld wireless ultrasound device TE Air with Doppler and Color Duplex imaging

“…In conclusion, the TE Air device’s small size, easiness of use, and especially the possibility of variable image transmission to an external monitor represents major advantages for various areas, including teaching, which is in line with the results of previous studies [ 8, 10 ]. The device’s simple and fast disinfection is also a relevant advantage — especially during pandemics such as the recently survived COVID-19 pandemic — and enables safer and adequate patient care.…”

“…During pandemics, such as the recent coronavirus disease pandemic, these easy-and-quick-to-disinfect ultrasound models could bring a decisive advantage. First indications of sufficient image quality, of the integrated CF mode, and of the operational capability have already been shown in several studies, including our previous investigations [3,8,9,12].…”

“…Using the latest high-end ultrasound techniques, highly effective means for abdominal diagnostics are available [3][4][5][6][7]. Apart from the very high equipment costs, the size and bulkiness of these devices (e.g., limited freedom of movement of the monitor screen) pose a challenge that should not be underestimated [8,9]. The hygienic reprocessing of the devices after use also requires increased commitment in terms of time for correct implementation.…”

Efficacy of Handheld Ultrasound in Medical Education: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Narrative Analysis

“…General Electric's Vscan was exclusively used in 11 studies [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]41,43,49,51,53,54]. Two studies used the Acuson P10 (Siemens, [29,54]), two used the Philips Lumify [50,52], three used the Butterfly iQ [44,45,47], and one used the Ballater Medical 3-in-1 ultrasound probe (Ballater Medical, Edinburgh, UK) [46].…”