Description

The probe position is shifted towards the upper third of the left edge of the sternum. The probe marker is directed to the left of the patient in a transverse position (side to side). The pulmonary artery and its two branches become visible. The position of the probe may be shifted upwards towards the head along the sternal edge to reveal the branch pulmonary arteries. The ascending aorta is noted to be to the right of the PA followed by the SVC to the extreme right. This view is used to assess the size of the branch pulmonary arteries and the presence of pulmonary branch stenosis often present in preterm infants and may clinically present mimicking a PDA. Colour Doppler assessment of the branch PAs shows slight turbulence in as the they turn. In the presence of PDA a red Doppler jet is often seen in this view depicting left to right shunting.