Various imaging modalities in the evaluation and treatment of critically injured patients are available. The advancement of technology enables the imaging to be rapidly performed in ICUs with portable equipment, thus eliminating the risks of transporting critically ill patients. Clinical applications of sonography have increased, and this can be a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill trauma patients. Surgeons are now performing more of these imaging and interventional procedures, but the learning curve is steep. Other modalities are also now portable, and images can be obtained expeditiously at the bedside in ICUs. Some of the technology is still under development, however, and its cost-effectiveness and efficacy need further study.
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Address reprint requests to Sun Yong Lee, MD, Department of Traumatology, Brandywine Hospital and Trauma Center, 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville, PA 19320