HeartFocus Training : Everything you need to know to acquire cardiac ultrasound scan with HeartFocus

Quick Overview of HeartFocus

In this video, you will discover the essential features of HeartFocus. It is a good introduction to acquiring cardiac ultrasound images with HeartFocus.

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Basic Cardiac Anatomy and Ultrasound Windows

In this video, you will learn the fundamentals of cardiac ultrasound, including:

Basic Cardiac Anatomy: key heart structures relevant to ultrasound imaging and how to identify them.
Principles of Ultrasound Imaging: how ultrasound waves create 2D images of the heart and the importance of proper probe placement.
Echogenicity: how tissue properties affect image quality, and why some patients are easier to image than others.
Cardiac Ultrasound Windows: the three main windows—parasternal, apical, and subcostal—and the standard views acquired from each.

By mastering these essentials, you will build a strong foundation for performing cardiac ultrasound exams with confidence.

Preparing for cardiac ultrasound exams

In this video, you will learn the essential steps to prepare for a successful cardiac ultrasound exam, including:

Patient Positioning: how to position patients for parasternal, apical, and subcostal views to ensure optimal image quality and comfort.
Operator Positioning: best practices for seating, ergonomics, and probe handling to avoid strain and improve precision.
Probe Handling: how to stabilize the probe with both hands for better control and accuracy.
Ultrasound Gel: why it is essential for clear imaging and how to use it effectively.
Probe Marker Orientation: how to correctly align the probe marker to match the scan direction.

Using the ultrasound probe and adjusting the image settings

In this video, you will learn the practical skills needed to optimize your cardiac ultrasound exams, including:

Probe Handling: how to position yourself relative to the patient and use both hands for better stability and control.
Probe Movements: the five key movements—translation, tilt, rock, and rotation—and how to combine them to reach the best view.
Depth Adjustment: how to set the appropriate depth based on the patient’s body type and heart position.
Gain Optimization: how to balance brightness and contrast to make heart structures appear clearly.

By mastering these techniques, you will be able to capture clearer, higher-quality ultrasound images and perform scans more confidently.

Master HeartFocus Key Features

In this video, you will learn how to master the essential features of HeartFocus:

Live Guidance: provides guidance cues to reach the target probe position to capture a given diagnostic-quality view from an ultrasound image
Diagnostic-Quality View Detection: indicates whether an ultrasound image is of diagnostic quality for a given view
Auto Record: automatically save diagnostic-quality ultrasound clips
Best-Effort Record: automatically save ultrasound clips with the highest probability of being a diagnostic-quality clip

By understanding these key features, you will be able to capture high-quality diagnostic images.

Best practices to succeed cardiac ultrasound acquisition with HeartFocus

In this video, you will see three main areas to get a good start with image acquisition with HeartFocus and master the Live Guidance :

What to do before starting image acquisition
What to do when guidance is not displayed
What to do when guidance is displayed but recording is not triggered.

By following these tips, you will be able to capture high-quality diagnostic images.

Parasternal Window

In this video, you will learn how to acquire high-quality cardiac ultrasound images from the parasternal window, including:

All Four Standard Views: a step-by-step explanation of the parasternal long-axis and short-axis views, and how to transition smoothly between them.
Positioning and Probe Orientation: practical guidance to achieve consistent, high-quality images by adjusting probe rotation and tilt.
Practical Tips: how to keep the probe close to the sternum, avoid drifting off-axis, and use one starting position to capture all views.

By mastering the parasternal window, you will be able to evaluate cardiac structures and function with precision and consistency.

Apical Window

In this video, you will learn how to acquire high-quality cardiac ultrasound images from the apical window, including:

All Four Standard Views: a step-by-step explanation of the apical 4-chamber, 5-chamber, 2-chamber, and 3-chamber views, and how to transition between them from a single probe position.
Positioning and Probe Orientation: how to correctly position the patient, angle the probe, and aim toward the heart’s apex for optimal imaging.
Practical Tips: strategies to improve image quality, such as adjusting probe tilt, moving between intercostal spaces, and fine-tuning patient positioning.

By mastering the apical window, you will be able to capture clear, consistent views of the heart’s chambers, valves, and overall function.

Subcostal window

In this video, you will learn how to acquire high-quality cardiac ultrasound images from the subcostal window, including:

Both Standard Views: a step-by-step explanation of the subcostal 4-chamber and subcostal IVC views, and how to transition between them.
Positioning and Probe Orientation: how to position the patient, apply the probe below the sternum, and adjust orientation to capture clear cardiac images.
Practical Tips: techniques to improve image quality, such as sliding under the ribs, asking the patient to hold their breath, and aiming toward the heart.

By mastering the subcostal window, you will be able to consistently capture reliable views of the heart and inferior vena cava.