Queensland researchers hope lung ultrasounds could provide a quick, easy and less invasive way to diagnose heart failure in elderly patients plagued by shortness of breath.
Now in its final stages, the government-funded study recruited 400 patients for a clinical trial to explore how the ultrasound method compared to the more traditional chest x-ray.
"Lung ultrasounds can diagnose heart failure within minutes of a patient arriving at hospital," Health Minister Cameron Dick said on Wednesday.
"It is a quick, simple, accurate, cheap and less-invasive procedure that can save time, money and lives."
It's hoped the new method will make it easier to know if a patient's shortness of breath is a sign of lung disease or heart failure.
Lead researcher Dr Kylie Baker, of Ipswich Hospital, said emergency department doctors could correctly pinpoint the right condition within three minutes using the ultrasound technique.
"Consequently, elderly patients are started on the right treatments straight away and aren't at risk of adverse events because of incorrect diagnosis and incorrect treatments," she said.
The findings are being analysed and prepared for publication.
