Clinical Research Directory

Preoperative Gastric Ultrasound and Left Ventricular Function in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

This study aims to investigate whether reduced heart function is associated with differences in stomach contents before elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery will be divided into two groups based on their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a measure of how well the heart pumps blood: patients with an LVEF below 40% and patients with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Before surgery, the researchers will use ultrasound to examine the stomach. They will assess the presence and amount of stomach contents using the Perlas grading system and ultrasound measurements of the gastric antrum. The main objective is to compare gastric ultrasound findings between the two groups. The researchers will also evaluate estimated gastric volume and the frequency of stomach findings associated with a higher risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

Bedside Ultrasound of Gastric Contents in Pediatric Populations

Perioperative aspiration of gastric contents is a rare but serious adverse event. The risk of aspiration can be estimated by perioperative evaluation of stomach contents with ultrasound using a validated technique and scoring system. A lack of knowledge or familiarity is frequently cited by anesthesia providers as a rationale for not performing perioperative ultrasound assessments. The purpose of this study is to determine whether novice ultrasonography users (medical students, undergraduates, or inexperienced anesthesiologists) can be effectively taught a technique to evaluate stomach contents as compared to experts in ultrasonography.