Aorta Ultrasound Preparation

Patient preparation

• The patient should be supine with the head of the bed flat.
• Have patient bend knees, if possible, to help relax the abdominal muscles.

Ultrasound machine preparation

• Transducer: 
  • Use a Curvilinear probe to examine the abdominal aorta.
  • Use a Phased Array probe to obtain the suprasternal notch view.
• Preset:
  • Abdominal Setting to view the abdominal aorta. Starting Depth should be around 10-15cm.
  • Cardiac Setting for the suprasternal view. Starting Depth should be around 10cm.
• Ultrasound Machine Placement:
  • Place the machine on the patient’s right side, so you can scan with your right hand and manipulate the ultrasound buttons with your left hand.