Use of pocket-sized ultrasound device (PSUD) (Vscan Air™ CL) in the labor and delivery room: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Objective To evaluate the role of a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PSUD) in the labor and delivery (L&D) room, including its frequency of use, indications, and maternal and provider satisfaction. Study Design: From January 2023 to January 2024 at Federico II University Hospital (Naples, Italy), obstetrics residents and physicians used a handheld ultrasound device (Vscan Air™ CL, GE Healthcare) during L&D activities. The primary outcome was to document device use during urgent cesarean sections, vaginal deliveries, post-abortion dilation and curettage (D&C), and intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG). The secondary outcome was satisfaction among patients and healthcare professionals, assessed via surveys. Results Ten residents and ten attending physicians used the device for 230 episodes of care, including 5 operative vaginal deliveries, 100 spontaneous vaginal deliveries, 50 D&Cs, 50 CTG assessments, and 25 urgent cesarean sections. The device was judged easy to handle by all (20/20), though 16 noted battery life as a drawback. Image quality was rated good or excellent. Its main clinical value was in ensuring proper vacuum application during operative deliveries (65%) and assessing fetal position (35%). All doctors (20/20) reported satisfaction and interest in future use, with residents (10/10) highlighting its value for training. The device was used for 230 episodes of care, of which 150 concluded with live birth. All the women participating (n = 157, ~ 68%) were satisfied with the device. All the participants who delivered (n = 130/150) judged the tool as able to increase the psychological safety of the L&D environment (positive childbirth experience). The vast majority (n = 140/157) felt safer when informed that an ultrasound device was used during L&D activities. Conclusions Vscan Air™ CL is easy to use with high user and maternal satisfaction.