Other views

Inferior vena cava longitudinal view

To obtain the inferior vena cava longitudinal view, place the patient in the supine position and place the probe slightly right of the midline under the xiphoid process. This view is suitable for observation of the diameter and respiratory variation of the inferior vena cava.

Abdominal aorta longitudinal view

"To obtain the abdominal aorta longitudinal view, place the probe slightly left of the midline under the xiphoid process. This view is suitable for observation of an aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.

Parasternal 4 chamber view

The parasternal 4 chamber view shows the 4 chambers at a higher intercostal space than that at the apical 4 chamber view. This view is suitable for estimating the shunt flow of the atrial septal defect and measurement the right ventricular systolic pressure from tricuspid regurgitation.

Epigastric 4 chamber view

To obtain the epigastric 4 chamber view, place the probe horizontally under the xiphoid process and press it with the tip directed upward. Fix the image when the 4 chambers look the largest and the atrioventricular valves on both sides are clearly visualized. This view is suitable for observation of atrial septal defects and pericardial effusion. It is also suitable for observation of the presence or absence of signs of pericardial adhesions.

Epigastric short axis view

To obtain the epigastric short axis view, rotate the probe from the position of the epigastric 4 chamber view 90 degrees counterclockwise. The view at the epigastric site is effective when depiction of the parasternal approach is difficult due to such diseases as pulmonary emphysema.

Suprasternal aortic arch view

To obtain a suprasternal aortic arch view, place the patient in the supine position with his/her neck extended backward and place the probe on the suprasternal space. This view shows the ascending aorta, the aortic arch with its branches and the descending aorta. It is suitable for observation of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm.