Certification in Ultrasound

Michael Li, MD, Robina Matyal, MD, Shirin Saeed, MD, Christina Short, BS

Published January 23, 2025 | Clinics in Medical Education 

Issue 5 | Volume 1 | January 2025

In this second segment of our ultrasound education series, we turn our focus to one of the most crucial aspects of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE): the basic views. Following our inaugural discussion on probe motions and techniques, this installment will guide practitioners through the essential views for assessing cardiac structure and function. Mastering these is key to becoming proficient in echocardiography.

In this segment, we will cover core views commonly used in TTE. In this segment, we will also discuss essential techniques for optimizing these views, such as proper probe orientation, adjusting the depth and gain settings on the ultrasound machine.

This bite-sized approach to ultrasound education is designed to fit into the busy schedules of medical professionals, providing focused, practical content that can be easily understood and immediately applied in clinical practice. We believe that by breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces, we can help practitioners improve their skills in transthoracic echocardiography without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you are new to TTE or seeking to refine your technique, mastering these basic views will serve as the foundation for more advanced echocardiographic evaluations. As you gain confidence in obtaining high-quality images from these views, you will be better equipped to interpret results and contribute to the optimal care of your patients.

Stay tuned for future segments, where we will continue to explore more advanced techniques and provide practical tips for enhancing your ultrasound proficiency.