Key Learning Points

Key Learning Points

• An elementary echo view is more reliable than a manual pulse check in cardiac arrest.
• Majority of EP’s gain an informative cardiac view within the 10 second pulse check window.
• Requires the acquisition of a sub xiphoid view, plus one other cardiac view, together with an assessment of the IVC.
• Dilated non-collapsing IVC implies that the patient is well/over filled, or that there is an obstructive aetiology, whereas a narrow fully collapsing IVC suggests an under-filled patient.
• Move the patient onto the left side if not in cardiac arrest and if feasible to improve views.

Pitfalls

• Moving away from the sternum on parasternal views
• Probe orientation confusion
• Failure to increase the depth setting in the sub-xiphoid view
• Too deep a transducer angle in the sub-xiphoid view
• Allowing the patient to place their hands above their head
• The IVC moves with respiration in the spontaneously breathing patient