Ultrasound Assessment for Heart Failure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether daily ultrasound exams (referred to as Daily POCUS Exam) can improve health outcomes for hospitalized patients with worsening heart failure. The main goal is to determine if these exams reduce the risk of kidney problems during their stay. One group will receive typical care, while another group will undergo daily ultrasound checks of their chest and heart-related areas. This trial suits individuals admitted to the hospital with severe heart failure, expected to stay for at least two days, and receiving diuretic treatment (medications that help the body eliminate excess fluid). As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance patient care.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that daily POCUS exams are safe for patients with acute decompensated heart failure?
Research has shown that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is safe for use in medical settings. Studies indicate that POCUS helps doctors diagnose conditions more quickly and reduces the need for other tests involving radiation, making it a safer choice for patients compared to other imaging methods.
POCUS enhances patient safety by providing doctors with fast and accurate information. It uses a small, portable device that experts can easily operate. Unlike other imaging technologies, POCUS does not expose patients to radiation, which can be harmful over time.
Overall, POCUS is well-tolerated and enhances patient care by enabling doctors to identify and treat medical issues more quickly.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using daily POCUS exams in heart failure management because this technique offers a non-invasive and immediate way to monitor extravascular lung water and measure the inferior vena cava (IVC). Unlike the standard approach, which often relies on periodic check-ins and more invasive procedures, daily POCUS can provide real-time data to help adjust treatment plans more effectively. This method could potentially lead to better outcomes by enabling quicker responses to changes in a patient’s condition.
What evidence suggests that daily POCUS exams are effective for acute decompensated heart failure?
Research has shown that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can help manage health conditions by quickly providing important information. In this trial, some participants will receive daily assessments using POCUS. Studies indicate that this improves doctors' ability to identify critical issues like fluid in the lungs, which is crucial for heart failure patients. It also boosts doctors' confidence and skills in using ultrasound, making them more likely to use it effectively. By offering real-time images, POCUS helps doctors make better treatment decisions immediately. This tool could improve care in heart failure patients by detecting problems early and guiding treatment.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive daily POCUS/FCU exams and IV diuretics for acute decompensated heart failure management
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Daily POCUS Exam
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Patients are assessed by facility experts with daily chest ultrasound and findings of interstitial syndrome and IVC measurement are reported to primary care providers.
Patients are assessed daily by primary care providers per usual care.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Riverside University Health System Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Evaluation of point-of-care ultrasound training among ...
Our results demonstrated that the brief POCUS course was effective in improving POCUS skills, knowledge and confidence amongst in-practice ...
Point of care ultrasound: focus on evidence for a critical ...
For abdominal pain, it is particularly useful in detecting biliary tract diseases, ascites, acute appendicitis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Effectiveness of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) simulation ...
Image interpretation skill, image acquisition skill, and confidence improved significantly and were maintained even after 4 months of the course ...
4.
istanbulmedicaljournal.org
istanbulmedicaljournal.org/articles/effect-of-basic-point-of-care-ultrasound-course-on-physicians-use-in-clinical-practice-a-survey-study/imj.galenos.2025.17702Effect of Basic Point-of-Care Ultrasound Course on ...
This study demonstrates that even a short, structured POCUS course can lead to a marked increase in physicians' self-reported use of ultrasound ...
Evaluation of point-of-care ultrasound training among ...
Results: Our results demonstrated that the brief POCUS course was effective in improving POCUS skills, knowledge and confidence amongst in- ...
Point-of-care Ultrasound in Morbidity and Mortality Cases in ...
POCUS was felt to have greatest potential in identifying missed diagnoses (92%, 23/25), and decreasing the time to diagnosis (92%, 23/25).
The Benefits and Barriers of Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in ...
POCUS is much safer providing a reduction of ionizing radiation risks in addition to enhanced cost-effectiveness, and prompt diagnosis for ...
Portable Point of Care Ultrasound (PPOCUS)
PPOCUS which involves the use of handheld, portable, affordable, easy-to-use ultrasound devices to perform point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is an emerging ...
Practical Application of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the ...
POCUS evaluation can detect other pneumonia complications, such as formation of abscesses, as in Case 2, Video 4. A systematic review examining ...
10.
psnet.ahrq.gov
psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/safety-considerations-building-point-care-ultrasound-programSafety Considerations in Building a Point-of-Care ...
(4) Used properly, POCUS has vast potential to improve patient safety through efficient and accurate diagnosis and procedural guidance.
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