SCCM Resource Library-Transthoracic Echocardiography Examination

Pdf Summary

The document serves as a comprehensive guide on obtaining and interpreting echocardiographic images, specifically tailored for critical care situations. Echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound that offers detailed insights into the heart's structure and function, including valve and blood movement. Key highlights include selecting appropriate equipment—such as a phased-array transducer, usually working at frequencies between 1 to 5 MHz—and configuring the ultrasound machine properly.<br /><br />Proper image acquisition involves selecting the correct transducer, being familiar with machine settings, and understanding various standard echocardiographic views. Tips for beginners include using default machine settings and automatic optimization features. The document also emphasizes the importance of understanding the physics behind ultrasound to make appropriate adjustments for image clarity, such as managing frequency and frame rates to enhance temporal resolution.<br /><br />Patient and echocardiographer positioning are crucial for ergonomic image acquisition. The document details the technique and terminology for handling and moving the transducer, using movements like sliding, tilting, and rotating, to optimize views of the heart's structures.<br /><br />Different echocardiographic windows are vital for providing diverse perspectives of the heart. These include parasternal, apical, and subcostal windows, each offering unique views—such as the long-axis and short-axis perspectives of the ventricles or detailed views of valve mechanics. The document also touches upon practical skills like probe handling and patient positioning to optimize the imaging process.<br /><br />Lastly, various protocols for critical care echocardiography are discussed, such as the FATE protocol, focused on delivering essential diagnostic information efficiently. The document underscores the importance of thorough and systematic examination, recording findings for clinical documentation, and correlating echocardiographic data with the patient's clinical context for accurate diagnosis and management.

Asset Subtitle

Procedures, 2020, 4:40:00

Asset Caption

This is a complimentary chapter from the textbook: Comprehensive Critical Care Ultrasound, Second Edition

Learning Objectives

Discuss how to configure the ultrasound machine to image the adult heart.
Demonstrate how to acquire and optimize basic windows and views of the heart.
Distinguish cardiac anatomic features from the basic windows and views.

Comprehensive Critical Care Ultrasound, Second Edition is a companion guide for both new learners and experienced clinicians seeking to improve their ultrasound understanding and skills in the ICU.

This new edition includes emphasis on innovative applications of ultrasound in airway management, acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventilator weaning, an expanded pediatric section, and real-time procedural guidance. It also highlights administrative aspects of critical care ultrasound, including quality assurance, billing, and training. With full-color images and online videos, this book is a must-have for healthcare professionals who are interested in or currently practicing critical care ultrasound.

Meta Tag

Content Type Book Chapter

Knowledge Area Procedures

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Learning Pathway Cardiothoracic Critical Care

Membership Level Select

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Associate

Tag Ultrasound

Tag Cardiothoracic Critical Care

Year 2020

Keywords

echocardiography

critical care

ultrasound

phased-array transducer

image acquisition

echocardiographic views

patient positioning

echocardiographic windows

FATE protocol

diagnostic information

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