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