Orientation Conventions

Moore C, “Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions” Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:278–284

Moore C, “Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions” Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:278–284

• Conventions are like which side of the road you drive on: right side in U.S./ Left side in U.K.
• Both internally consistent but problematic in integrated exams

Moore C, “Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions” Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:278–284

• Switch conventions between cardiac/ other examinations
  • Also involves switching probe directions
• Maintain consistent convention and switch probe direction
• Maintain consistent convention and probe direction
  • Some images (particularly parasternal long axis) will be flipped

Moore C, “Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions” Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:278–284

• At Yale we maintain consistent orientation convention (general) and consistent probe direction
  • Indicator to screen left
  • Indicator to examiner’s left:
    • To patient’s right
    • To patient’s head
• Some institutions use cardiology convention
• Some institutions flip probe direction

Moore C, “Current Issues with Emergency Cardiac Ultrasound Probe and Image Conventions” Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:278–284