TnECHO app for iPhone and iPad
Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TnECHO) is increasingly used by neonatologists in the intensive care setting to support clinical decisions. The technology may be applied for the evaluation of the neonatal heart, brain, abdomen/pelvis and vascular access. This application focuses on neonatologist-performed TnECHO. The provision of real-time information on cardiovascular performance and systemic perfusion, the non-invasive nature of the technique, rapidity of data acquisition and report generation, and ability to perform longitudinal functional assessments have all contributed to in the increased utilization of TnECHO by neonatologists in the neonatal intensive care (NICU).
The purpose of this application is to support neonatologists who are actively involved in a recognized TnECHO training program. This application includes videos of probe position, 2D echo loops, color Doppler loops, and labelling of the various structures. This application is aimed at familiarizing neonatologists with basic echocardiography views and aiding self directed learning, but does not represent complete training. This application has not been designed to teach how to screen, diagnose or evaluate congenital heart disease, although it is recognized that neonatologists must be familiar with normal anatomy and deviations from this. Although structural heart disease should always be considered when performing a TnECHO evaluation, if the former is clinically suspected a paediatric cardiologist should always be involved. Image optimization techniques are not discussed as it is usually machine specific.
Pros and cons of TnECHO app for iPhone and iPad
TnECHO app good for
While TnECHO certainly wont replace text books and proper training, the amount of information and the quality of the images/video are great.
Fascinating, easy to use and from a charitable organization. I dont really understand why theyre giving this one away for free when the website is a subscription service and any proceeds of this app would benefit Sick Kids.
Itd be neat to see how different conditions affect the heart in the future.
Congratulation to Afif and Patrick for developing such a great practical App for free. I highly recommend this App for all the Nenatology fellows and Neonatologists around the world.
Nice app as an introduction for learning TnECHO. Easy to use and excellent images.
Lots of effort was put into this app. Many thanks to Dr. McNamara and Dr. El-Khuffash, and to Ikaria Canada.
Some bad moments
This brilliant App serves to demystify echocardiography for the Neonatologist. The developers are to be congratulated on producing such high quality images and videos, including readable labels on a format as small as the iPhone.
While not a replacement for the unique, extensive and detailed instructional Teaching CDs developed by Evans and Malcolm this App provides bedside reminders of proper probe position, expected images and anatomy.
I recommend for all Neonatologists, apart from the few experts in this field, as well as all trainees. Once bitten by this, you will want to become proficient in this very useful assessment technique which provides real time understanding of the infants cardiovascular physiology
This app was great but now it is no longer showing the videos when you click. I am not sure if its because its not comparable with the new iOS...