Echocardiography: An everyday tool in intensive care

Abstract

It was a cold December night in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was in ICU taking care of a patient, Mr. David, who had had a cardiac arrest at home, underwent CPR and was now on mechanical ventilation. He had been subjected to ‘Mild Induced Hypothermia’ protocol. The patient did well and after re-warming to normal temperature, he was weaned off sedation and mechanical ventilation. He was able to talk and move all his extremities. This is what we hope for in every patient after a cardiac arrest with appropriate medical care and latest technology. Patients get a second lease on life and their loved ones are able to look into their eyes and hold their hands. David’s wife Mary was so happy to see him come around after she had witnessed him undergoing CPR.