Pocket Echocardiography System (PES) for Detection of PDA in Neonates

All newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with orders for a cardiac echo evaluation will be included in this study. Parents will be approached and provided a description of the study. No written consent will be requested, but parents have the option of opting out. If parents agree to be part of this study, a 5-minute PES scan will be performed first so as to not bias the sonographer. Then, a full echocardiogram study will be performed on a traditional FFES. The scans will be performed at the bedside. The images will be reviewed and compared by fellow and/or attending and by experienced sonographer. The scans will include short axis view, ductal view and arch view.

The objective of the study is to assess if the current FDA approved PES can detect PDA in neonates as comparable to traditional full featured echo systems and/or physical exam alone. Using PES for PDA diagnosis will be an accessible, economic and effective way of complementing the findings in our physical exam by increasing diagnostic accuracy, and detecting PDA's at the bedside comparable to a full size traditional echocardiographic system.

Inclusion criteria

• All newborn infants with orders for cardiac echocardiography evaluation in clinically stable condition

Exclusion criteria

• Known congenital heart disease.
• Clinically unstable (Meaning by unstable patients: Those patients that need cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or in maximum ventilatory or inotrope support and in immediate need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation or major surgery or whenever the physician attending responsible for the clinical care of the patient considers that a traditional echo needs to be done urgently)