9. Subcostal view

We can also study the heart from below in a subcostal projection. The patient lies on their back with flexed knees with arms down the sides. The probe is placed in a diagnoal transversal plane pointing away from you. We first see the inferior vena cava and where it empties into the right atrium. We can also see the liver veins. By applying a little more pressure to the probe and making some sharp angles, we get an image of the heart and its 4 chambers. We are perpendicular to the atrium and ventricle septum. This is therefore a good projection to look for defects in the interventricular septum in the heart.