Risk Stratification of Patients Presenting with COVID Symptoms Using Heart-Lung Ultrasound: A VCH Initiative Built for Frontline Workers

Data from pandemic hotspots have suggested that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can detect up to one-third more cases of COVID-19 than some other diagnostic tests. This research project aims to use a small hand-held POCUS device to rapidly assess the lungs and heart of patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms for evidence of infection that may be apparent even prior to the results of nasal swabs. This research will determine if such application improves risk stratification of patients with COVID-19 symptoms, allowing for a more accurate prediction of who will need ICU care and ventilator support, and which patients will recover quickly. The project also models the risk of these patients by integrating measurements of heart and lung function using an approach based on artificial intelligence developed in conjunction with colleagues from UBC Engineering Department, Dr. Purang Abolmaesumi and Dr. Robert Rohling. Additionally, Dr. Tsang, in collaboration with frontline colleagues, will establish a network partnership involving Lower Mainland hospitals with a centralized POCUS imaging infrastructure and harmonized protocols for improving COVID-19 diagnosis and risk stratification.