Focused cardiovascular ultrasound for the perioperative patient

Focused cardiovascular ultrasound (FoCUS) is limited bedside transthoracic echocardiography that the perioperative physician can use to evaluate broad categories of cardiac dysfunction and to improve patient management. This review outlines the equipment needed, general transthoracic ultrasound nomenclature and technique, indications, limitations and a 'how-to' for obtaining the 5 FoCUS views. The clinician interested in integrating FoCUS into their practice will use this review as a basis of understanding for pursuing formalized, hands-on instruction.