Cardiac ultrasound

Revision as of 23:14, 31 December 2013 by Mcamilon (talk | contribs) (clarification)

Background

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

Technique

  • Parasternal Long
    • Pointer to the L hip, probe at 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
  • 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
  • Apical 4 chamber
    • Pointer to Right, usually below nipple
    • Use to visualize global function (Left and right ventricle, squeeze)
  • 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

Source

Sonosite Uptodate