Sliding of the probe can take place in any direction

When sliding the probe no other movements should occur

For sliding instruction a secondary reference point is important

Example:
To get the correct parasternal long axis view the probe should often be closer to the sternum

You will therefore often hear the supervisor saying: “Slide towards the sternum”

The image is generated by the transducer and the ultrasound system and then displayed on the screen

FATE and cardiac ultrasound employs multifrequency phased array probes that display the image as a sector on the screen. The sector is demarcated by the two radii and the arc. In the figure the two radii of the sector are red and blue

The red and the blue radii diverge from the probe at the top of the monitor (the skin surface)

The orientation indicator (OI) is at the right side of the screen by convention in cardiac ultrasound (contrary to all other clinical ultrasound applications where the OI is placed on the left side of the screen)

The blue and red radii on the probe sector always correspond to the radii on the screen

The probe can be moved in three dimensions, but the screen stays neutral

During a “clean” rotation, the direction of the tail of the transducer should be kept 100% stable

Rotation can be:
– Right = clockwise
– Left = counterclockwise

For rotational instructions we do not make use of a secondary reference point

Example:
To obtain the correct subcostal 4 chamber view, alignment with the longitudinal axis of the heart often requires 10-20 degrees counterclockwise rotation

You will therefore often hear the supervisor saying: “Rotate the probe counterclockwise or rotate the transducer to the left”

A terminology to describe the movement of the probe during scanning is important in order to optimise the image

During the workshop it makes it easier for the supervisor to give instructions without touching the probe which is crucial for the novice in order to achieve practical skill

There are many available descriptions of the method of manipulation of the probe

We recommend using:
1. rotate
2. tilt
3. slide

These movements are applicable to all scanning locations

As a novice – always move the probe in only one direction at a time

During the workshops the supervisors are encouraged to give instructions with reference to the tail of the transducer and a secondary reference point when appropriate

Examples of secondary reference points:
1. Anatomical landmarks in relation to the volunteer or patient
2. Physical landmarks like the bed
3. Spatial orientation: left/right – upwards/downwards – medial/lateral

When complying with an instruction, never do any movements in other directions

The FATE examination requires a cardiac phased array probe

The probe scans with low frequency band width permitting good penetration and better visualisation of deeper located structures

We recommend a 1.5-4 MHz multifrequency phased array transducer

The probe is fitted with an orientation marker (OM)

On the image the OM is indicated by a green arrow

The OM facilitates the correct orientation of the probe on the patient

There are two ways to hold the probe properly during the FATE examination

The screw driver grip:
With either the back or the palm of the operator hand placed on the patient during scanning

The pencil or lipstick grip:
The grip on the probe is made with the first and the second digit
The third digit to fifth digit are placed on the skin during scanning to stabilise the probe

FATE is an acronym for “Focus Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography”

FATE is the original focused echo protocol for all physicians – practiced since 1989

FATE is easily and quickly learned and can be applied in all clinical scenarios – e.g. pre-, intra-, and postoperatively, intensive care medicine, emergencies, and resuscitation

FATE can be performed with the patient in the sitting position

The FATE card (see figure) also encompasses quick guidance in the interpretation of the echocardiographic findings and their application in the clinical context

FATE can be performed in all locations: OR, ICU, emergency room, pre-hospital, ambulance, in-flight, patient’s home

The course is based on the famous FATE card, either the laminated hard copy or apps for iPhone or Android

You should keep the FATE card in front of you during the entire course

You can download the FATE card here

The FATE Card app is also available in the Appstore and Google Play