Birth of „Echoscopy“– The EFSUMB Point of View

Thanks to the miniaturization provided by the rapid evolution of information technology, in recent years it has become possible to reduce the size of ultrasound scanners to hand-held battery-supplied devices, which easily fit in the pocket of white coats. EFSUMB has questioned about the use and role of such scanners (see also EFSUMB case of the month July 2012 at www.efsumb.org). Despite the relatively high quality, clearly the size of the screen is smaller than that of conventional scanners and the resolution limited with less options for changing the type of probes. Nonetheless, the advantages of such miniaturized scanners are clear and straightforward. They can easily be used bedside to extend the physical examination, to integrate or replace the stethoscope.