Patient Position

Supine or left lateral decubitus position

 

Emergency Medicine VS Cardiology Probe Convention

While RV strain assessment can be completed in either the Emergency Medicine or Cardiology probe conventions, this module will present images and guidance using the Cardiology convention to align with standard echocardiography practices.

 

Technique

1. Parasternal long axis – qualitative assessment of RV size and function

· Assess size compared to the LV

· Assess overall contractility

2. Parasternal short axis – qualitative assessment of RV function and size

· Begin at the aortic valve level and sweep toward the apex, assessing RV size and function relative to the LV at each level.

3. Parasternal short axis – septal assessment at the mid papillary level

· Evaluate septal motion for flattening

4. Apical 4 chamber –  qualitative assessment of RV function and size

· Compare RV size to the LV

· Assess wall thickening, contractility, and RV free wall motion.

5. Subxiphoid 4 chamber –  qualitative assessment of RV function and size

· Compare RV size to the LV

· Assess wall thickening, contractility, and RV free wall motion.

6. Subxiphoid IVC – Assessment of IVC

· Qualitatively assess the size and collapsibility of the IVC

 

** For detailed instructions on obtaining the cardiac windows, please revisit the prerequisite KidSONO Introduction to Cardiac Windows Module