

Mastering transthoracic echocardiography from views to quantification.
While quantitative methods like Simpson’s Biplane are the gold standard, in clinical practice, the "eyeball" estimation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) remains a foundational skill. It requires integrating the radial shortening (the walls moving inward) andlongitudinal shortening (the mitral annulus moving toward the apex).
Always look at the endocardium (the inner lining) rather than the epicardium. A common novice mistake is to overestimate EF because the heart "looks active" when the walls are thickening but not actually moving toward the center of the cavity.
Best for aorta, mitral valve, and LV basal segments.
The 'donut' view. Excellent for regional wall motion.
Essential for volume calculations and tricuspid flow.
The go-to view for pericardial effusion and IVC collapse.