Category: 1. Cardiac Ultrasound Indications and Preparation

• Transducer: Phased Array (AKA “cardiac probe”)
• Preset: Cardiac

One of the most confusing parts of performing cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is understanding where the indicator goes on the ultrasound screen and probe orientation.

With the Cardiac Preset:

• Make sure the Ultrasound Image Indicator Marker is on the RIGHT side of the ultrasound screen.
• This is different from almost all other standard applications where the Ultrasound Image Indicator Marker is on the LEFT side of the screen.

Cardiac Ultrasound Machine Placement:

•  Place the ultrasound machine on the patient’s right side, so you can scan with your right hand and manipulate ultrasound buttons with your left hand.

Patient Preparation

• The patient should be supine with the head of the bed flat.
• If you are unable to visualize the heart in the supine position, consider repositioning the patient into the Left lateral decubitus. This will bring the heart away from the sternum and give you better sonographic access.

Point of Care Bedside Cardiac Ultrasound can used in the following indications:

• Significant EKG changes
• Assessing Left ventricular Function
• Chest Pain/Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Shortness of Breath
• Hypotension
• New Heart Murmurs
• Cardiac Arrest (assess for cardiac standstill)