5 Other technical pitfalls
Other technical pitfalls (Fig. 5.1) arise when the examination is uncomfortable for the operator because of:
• A technically difficult direction of approach, preventing the operator from locating an ‘acoustic window’ (i.e. a zone of exploration of the heart where the penetration of the ultrasonic waves is optimal) with the probe.
• A physical inability of the patient to assume certain positions (e.g. lying on their side) for the examination (e.g. an elderly patient, an incapacitating neurological or rheumatological condition, lack of cooperation from a child, intubated and ventilated patients).
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