Cardiac, cerebral, renal, optic nerve, and lung ultrasound study (CCROSS) protocol

Abstract

The use of echocardiography is very useful in the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of the patient in critical condition. Along with clinic and the stethoscope, it is a tool that complements the act of the physician faced with the diversity of etiologies that determine the state of shock and increase morbidity and mortality, especially in post-cardiac surgery patients, in whom there are no management emergency post-surgical algorithms. In view of this situation, at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez, a management algorithm has been made and improved in cardiac post-surgical patients: Through focused ultrasonography, including transthoracic echography, pulmonary ultrasound, optic nerve ultrasound, and renal ultrasound by evaluating renal resistive indices. Several societies have created their protocols for addressing patients in critical condition, so in the institute, specifically in cardiovascular intensive therapy, has created the cardiac, cerebral, renal, optic nerve, and lung ultrasound study (CCROSS) protocol for the initial approach of these patients, and a study is currently taking place for its validation, reproducibility, and efficacy.