Parasternal long axis

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Author	I.A.C. van der Bilt
Moderator	I.A.C. van der Bilt
Supervisor
some notes about authorship

The left parasternal imaging planes are found by placing the transducer in the third or fourth intercostal space on the left of the sternum.

The left parasternal long axis is usually the first view of the echocardiographic examination.

The following structures can be visualized with the PLAX: The mitral valve. The aortic valve. The left atrium. The left ventricle. Part of the right ventricle, in the proximal field.

Schematic view

Position of the transducer on the chest and schematic echocardiographic view

Image showing the left parasternal long axis transection (PSLAX) of the heart by the ultrasound waves

Example

This a parasternal long axis view of a normal heart.

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A parasternal long axis

enlarge download avi file to use in your powerpoint presentation