An r/medicine search doesn't turn up any Butterfly discussions in last 9 months.
I originally posted this to r/Anesthesia but because we're such a small sub, and the idea behind my question extends beyond Anesthesia, and largely because I'm not smart enough to Crosspost properly- I'm pasting my post there below:
Sorry, I just couldn't resist the play on words.
But I was just about to purchase a Butterfly portable/pocket ultrasound, and thought I'd check my thoughts here.
I just attended the NY State PGA in NYC last week and got excited by the lecture on point of care ultrasound. Although they were careful not to recommend any device during the lecture, I spoke to one of the guys afterwards and he swore the Butterfly was the device he loves and recommends.
Here's the thing: I don't 'need' one to do my job daily. But, I'm starting to feel confident that I may Need to be competent with an ultrasound to be a good doctor.
I've always used them for a few specific things, many nerve blocks, centrals, difficult a-lines, and even difficult IVs.
But it seems programs are now teaching Anesthesia residents to check stomach contents, assess heart motion, lungs, check tube placement, find the cricothyroid membranes… A lot.
We've all seen several iterations of 'the new stethoscope' but I think this is really it.
Anyways I'm private practice, almost a solo practitioner. Entirely out patient. I'm thinking it's a skill I need to keep up/develop.
Are new trainees and new grads using them more often at point of care?
Source: Original link
