Use of a Compact, Lightweight X-ray Unit to Reduce the Risk of Five Invasive Procedures in the Emergency Room.

BACKGROUND

Many invasive procedures performed in the emergency room (ER) have potential risks and complications. Because of their limitations, in particular size, portable X-ray devices are generally not used during such procedures. However, miniaturized units enable physicians to obtain X-ray images without assistance.

METHODS

We developed a safe, compact, and lightweight X-ray unit that was used during five invasive procedures in the ER. In all procedures, a chest X-ray image was obtained, to confirm the utility of the unit.

RESULTS

Case 1 (central venous catheter placement): After needle and guidewire insertion and catheter placement, the location of the catheter could be confirmed. Case 2 (chest tube insertion): During insertion of a chest tube into the pleural space, the tip of the thoracic tube was confirmed to be at the correct location. Case 3 (percutaneous tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy): After needle and guidewire insertion, the guidewire was visualized in the right main bronchus and was inserted into the trachea. Case 4 (resuscitative endovascular aortic balloon of the aorta): The captured image revealed that the catheter was located in zone I before balloon inflation. Case 5 (Sengstaken-Blakemore tube): The image revealed that the balloon was located in the stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

The portable X-ray unit improved medical safety during invasive procedures frequently performed in the ER.