Advanced Point-of-Care Cardiac Ultrasound Examination: Doppler Applications, Valvular Assessment, and Advanced Right Heart Examination

Basic point-of-care cardiac ultrasound involves assessment of left ventricular systolic function, right ventricular size and systolic function, intravascular volume status, and the pericardium. These simple tools are sufficient to aid in the hemodynamic management of most acutely ill patients; more complex patients may benefit from the use of advanced echocardiographic techniques. This paper describes the use of ultrasound in the advanced evaluation of the right heart, in the assessment of valvular function, and touches on several advanced Doppler applications.