Left Parasternal View. Long axis
B-Mode
Left Parasternal View, long axis of the heart, is mainly used to study the left parts of the heart. Also it is used to direct the ultrasound beam for the one-dimensional echocardiography (m-mode).
- Switch Echocardiography Simulator to B-Mode. Initially Simulator is set to B-Mode.
- Using Slider and Buttons <<Skeleton>> Choose appropriate transparency level.
- Choose position " Parasternal Long" from the List <<Positions>> or
Find Left Parasternal View, long axis with 3D Transducer
To obtain this position, transducer is placed (See Operations On Transducer) in the III-IV or V intercostal space (in our case in the IV intercostal space), at the left border of the chest bone, perpendicular to the chest surface (in obese patients, it is better to conduct the study from the III intercostal space, in asthenic patients it is better from the VI intercostal space). Transducer marker is pointing up. The heart scan is performed parallel to an imaginary line that connects the right shoulder to the left iliac region - Transducer Marker points toward the right shoulder.
Following heart structures are clearly visualized on the screen:
- RV-Right ventricle (Anterior wall and Part of the outflow tract of the right ventricle).
- IVS-Upper and middle part of the interventricular septum.
- AO-Aorta.
- LA-Left Atrium.
- LV-Left Ventricle.
- AL-Anterior Leaflet of the Mitral Valve.
- PL-Posterior Leaflet of the Mitral Valve.
- R-Right Coronary Leaflet of the Aortic Valve.
- N-Non Coronary Leaflet of the Aortic Valve.
- PW-Posterior Wall of the Left Ventricle.
- DAo-Descending Aorta.
It is not possible to visualize apex of the heart from this position because it is located slightly lower.