Apical 4 and 5: Technique, Landmarks, and Optimization

TTE Imaging Series, Part 3

Whether you're just starting out or refining your scanning routine, getting comfortable with the apical views is a pivotal step in becoming a confident cardiac sonographer. These views are not only central to volume and function assessment but also open the door to a wide range of Doppler measurements that anchor many diagnostic decisions.

Keep in mind that this is a suggested protocol based on the ASE Comprehensive TTE Guidelines. Specific imaging sequences, required measurements, or reporting standards may vary between labs, so always follow your institution’s protocol and local practice standards.

This article is Part 3 of our 5-part series on acquiring high-quality TTE images and measurements. These skills are practical and immediately applicable, so you can start improving your scans on your next shift.

If you haven’t read Parts 1 or 2 yet, you can find them, along with our full library of 100+ lessons, below.

Part 4 will be released on July 15 and will cover the remaining apical views! Thanks so much for your support as we keep pushing to make echo education easier to access and understand!