MME TV Spot
Back to the Basics: Elongating the Vein
This week are getting back to the basics. Join Leah and Julie in scan lab as they demonstrate techniques for elongating veins in the lower extremity. This sounds like a basic concept and for seasoned sonographers it is, but for novice practitioners of ultrasound this maneuver can be very frustrating. Finding the vein in the transverse plane first, allows you to have a wider field of view and increases the likelihood of success. Once you find the vein, slowly twist the transducer while fanning slightly to bring the entire vein into view. Remember your notch and notice what part of the vein is in view on your screen, only move the transducer end that corresponds with the missing portion of the vein. Keep in mind that the vein on average is a centimeter in diameter so keep your movements subtle. And most importantly: practice, practice, practice.