Ultrasound Scanning Planes
There are three standard described scan planes:
- Coronal
- Sagittal
- Transverse
The beginner is generally advised to stay in these simple planes, so as to be able to reliably obtain recognisable images repeatedly. This is what makes focussed scanning feasible.
With experience, changes in the inclination of planes helps to obtain improved images.
Probe Selection
Typically in POCUS we use three different probe types, the linear array, curvilinear array, and phased array probes.
Each probe has a variety of applications and also pros and cons. The choice of probe type will depend on the nature of the scan undertaken, in particular the required penetration (depth), resolution, and the available acoustic window.
POCUS probe applications:
The linear probe is typically used for vascular access including procedural guidance, pleural assessment for sliding, and superficial scanning
The curvilinear probe for eFAST, AAA, subcostal cardiac/IVC, lung, abdominal, some procedures, and early pregnancy.
The phased probe (also known as sector or cardiac) is predominately used for echo/cardiac scanning. It can also be used in lung scanning (poor pleural image), eFAST, and AAA.
Probe Manipulations
Handling the ultrasound probe and proper movement is essential to obtaining optimal ultrasound images.
There are traditionally 6 basic movements that are performed when scanning with ultrasound they are:
- Sweeping
- Tilting (Fanning)
- Sliding
- Rocking
- Compression
- Rotating
Probe and Display Orientation Markers
The “probe indicator” on the ultrasound probe can be identified as an orientation marker (ridge, indentation, groove, or nub) on one side of the probe. This corresponds to the indicator or orientation marker on the ultrasound image.
In general, for almost all standard applications and procedures the indicator orientation marker position will be on the LEFT side of the screen. In cardiac mode, the indicator orientation marker will be on the RIGHT side of the screen.