Description

This view is used to assess the pulmonary veins draining into the left atrium. It is to be stressed that this view is very difficult to obtain. The paediatric cardiology service must be contacted if any suspicion exists regarding any structural defect. In addition, this position may cause considerable discomfort and potentially some cardio-respiratory compromise in untrained hands. The probe is positioned in the suprasternal notch perpendicular to the chest with the marker pointing towards the left. The ultrasound beam is then angled towards the anterior chest wall. Colour Doppler assessment is necessary to clearly define the four veins draining in to the LA.