1.03 Parasternal Short Axis View (SAX)

Where is the echocardiographic window for getting a SAX?

In the parasternal space, LSB (left sternal border), and inbetween the 3rd and 5th intercostal space (same as LAX).

How do you get into a SAX view from a LAX view?

Rotate the transducer 90° clockwise.

The image pointer in SAX should be towards what side of the patient?

Their left.

You should adjust the transducer to ensure what?

The structures you want to look at are in the centre of the display.

What are the different levels that are investigated at the SAX view? (5 + one extra for learning purposes)

* Pulmonary artery bifurcation
* Short axis aortal/aortic valve
* SAX LVOT (this is the extra one)
* SAX Mitral valve
* SAX papillary muscles
* SAX apex

What structures are seen in the pulmonary bifurcation view? (transducer is positioned superiorly, anteriorly, and slightly left)

* RVOT
* MPA (RPA, LPA)
* PV
* Aorta (AO)
* Tricuspid valve (TV)
* Right atrium (RA)

What structures are seen in the SAX level of the aorta/aortic valve? (transducer is angled inferiorly - can also slide inferiorly from the pulmonary bifurcation view)

* RVOT
* PV
* MPA
* AO and Aortic cusps (RCC, LCC, NCC)
* RA
* LA
* IAS (interatrial septum)
* TV (anterior and posterior leaflets)
* Occasionally the left main coronary artery (LMCA)

What structures are seen in the SAX level of the LVOT? (transducer is angled inferiorly or slides inferiorly from the aortic valve view)

* RV
* LVOT
* AMVL
* LA
* RA
* TV

What structures are seen in the SAX level of the Mitral valve? (transducer is angled inferiorly or slides inferiorly from the LVOT view)

* LV
* RV
* Anterior mitral valve leaflet (AMVL)
* Posterior mitral valve leaflet (PMVL)
* IVS (interventricular spetum)
* Inferior LV wall

What structures are seen in the SAX level of the papillary muscles? (transducer is angled inferiorly or slides inferiorly from the MV view)

* LV
* RV
* IVS
* Anterolateral and posterolateral papillary muscles
* Inferior LV wall

What structures are seen in the SAX level of the apex? (transducer is angled inferiorly or slides inferiorly from the papillary muscle view)

* LV apex
* RV apex
* IVS (apical segment)
* Anterior, lateral, and inferior LV walls

When doing an EKG, there are red, white, and black electrodes. Where are they placed?

Red - right arm

White - left chest (bottom left of tummy)

Black - left shoulder