EchoNous KOSMOS - Benefits of Using ECG and da Signals with Ultrasound

Incorporating ECG and DA Signals
36 KOSMOS User Guide
DA
Auscultation is achieved by listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually
using a stethoscope, for the purpose of examining the circulatory and
respiratory systems (heart and lung sounds), as well as the gastrointestinal
system (bowel sounds).
When auscultating the heart, clinicians listen for abnormal sounds, including
heart murmurs, gallops, and other extra sounds coinciding with heartbeats.
Heart rate is also noted. When listening to lungs, breath sounds such as wheezes,
crepitation, and crackles are identified. The gastrointestinal system is
auscultated to note the presence of bowel sounds. Digital auscultation (DA) is a
digital form of auscultation. It includes the recording, visualization, storage,
analysis, and sharing of digital recordings of heart, lung, or abdominal sounds.
The visualization of sounds in DA is accomplished with waveforms that are
presented to the user in real-time while the acquisition is taking place. In the
case of heart sounds, these waveforms are also known as phonocardiograms.
Benefits of using ECG and DA signals with
ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, ECG, and DA are all integrated into Kosmos Torso in a time-
synchronized manner. Being able to view the real-time, synchronized signals of
ultrasound, ECG, and DA is a valuable cross reference between different views of
the same physiological event.
• Ultrasound provides an anatomical view of the motion of the heart.
• DA provides auditory and visual (through the phonocardiogram waveforms)
feedback regarding the heart valves.
• ECG provides information about the electrical activity that drives the heart
contractions.