Cardiac ultrasound

Background

• Only ED US when probe marker will be pointing to the left (parasternal views)

Technique

1. Parasternal Long

• Pointer to the L hip, L 3rd/4th intercostal space adjacent to sternum
• Use to visualize global function and r/o pericardial effusion
  • Can evaluate mitral valve, aortic valve, aortic root, LV squeeze

1. Parasternal Short

• Pointer to L shoulder, L 3rd/4th intercostal space adjacent to sternum
• Tip: obtain parasternal long view, then rotate probe 90 degrees
• Use to evaluate LV squeeze, R ventricle
  • R heart strain = dilated R ventricle

1. Apical 4 chamber

• Pointer to Right, usually below nipple
• Use to visualize global function (Left and right ventricle, squeeze)

1. Subxyphoid

• Pointer to Right, subxyphoid with probe pointed toward head
• Use liver to as acoustic window to visualize heart

Measurements

Aorta

• Normal aortic root is <3.8 cm (parasternal view w/ dot pointing to Lt arm)

See Also

• Ultrasound (Main)
• Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade

Source

Sonosite