Suprasternal view
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How to Get a Good Suprasternal View
The suprasternal view is found placing the transducer on angulus Lidovici. The suprasternal view is usually a routine part of echocardiograms for adults, although it is not always clear. It is obtained while the patient is supine with his or her head extended backward (chin up).Here, the transducer is placed on the suprasternal notch. The index marker must be pointed up toward the head of the patient.
Depending on the orientation of the transducer, two different images of the aorta may be viewed. To obtain the suprasternal short axis, rotate the transducer 90 degrees clockwise from the long axis, while orientation of the transducer parallel to the trachea will give the suprasternal long axis.
Structures that can be seen in the Suprasternal View
The suprasternal view permits the visualization of the following structures: ascending and descending aorta and the aortic arch. Also, both the left sublclavian arteries left carotid arteries can be assessed with this view. The left atrium and the right pulmonary artery may be seen under the aortic arch.
Example of a suprasternal view
This a normal heart
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| Suprasternal view of a normal heart |
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