Member May: Breathtaking Advances: Utility of Ultrasound in SCI Ventilator Management-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session presented by AAPMNR focused on the utilities of ultrasound in spinal cord injury and ventilator management. The panelists, including Drs. Adui, Franz, Bhatia, and Stone, emphasized the importance of pulmonary function and diaphragm assessment in patients with spinal cord injury. They discussed traditional methods like nerve conduction studies and electromyography, highlighting their challenges and limitations due to technical complexity and patient discomfort. Ultrasound emerged as a superior, non-invasive alternative, providing reliable information about diaphragmatic function and aiding in ventilator weaning decisions. Case studies demonstrated ultrasound's effectiveness in identifying weaning candidates, including those not typically expected to succeed based on standard evaluations. The panel encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration and novel protocol implementation for inpatient rehabilitation settings, showcasing improved patient outcomes without delay caused by LTAC transfers. They also explored ultrasound's potential for long-term pulmonary monitoring in outpatient settings. The session concluded with prospects for future work in other neuromuscular disorders and highlighted the expanded utility of diaphragm ultrasound across various conditions, offering significant clinical impact. Attendees were invited to engage with the presenting experts for further inquiries and developments in the field.

Keywords

ultrasound

spinal cord injury

ventilator management

pulmonary function

diaphragm assessment

interdisciplinary collaboration

inpatient rehabilitation

outpatient monitoring

neuromuscular disorders