Aortic Arch

Description

The arch is visualized by maintaining the ductal view described above, moving the probe slightly to the right of the sternum, and rotating the probe in slight clockwise fashion. Angling the ultrasound beam to the left (by right sided probe angulation) is necessary. Colour assessment is very important here to rule out a coarctation. See the Pulsed wave Doppler image to appreciate normal laminar flow.

Position

Ultrasound

Colour Doppler

Doppler Image


Descending aortic flow is laminar with some degree of diastolic forward flow.

Diagram


The aorta is clearly seen with the main three branches emerging. The RPA is seen traversing behind the ascending aorta.