Mastering the technique of inferior vena cava ultrasound from transhepatic view in intensive care unit: A practical approach to the ultrasound technique,tips,and pitfalls
Restricted accessReview articleFirst published online February, 2026
Mastering the technique of inferior vena cava ultrasound from transhepatic view in intensive care unit: A practical approach to the ultrasound technique,tips,and pitfalls
Bedside ultrasound of inferior vena cava is used by clinician sonographers in intensive care units. Its data can impact clinical decision-making. Subcostal view is a standard view for this issue. A significant proportion of the intensive care unit patients have very difficult approach to this view. In these patients, an alternative view is a transhepatic view, feasible in nearly every intensive care unit patient. Limited data on the ultrasound technique exist in literature.
Aim:
In this review, we discuss in detail the technical aspects of the inferior vena cava ultrasound technique assessed from the transhepatic view, ultrasound tips, and pitfalls.
Methods:
A search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Scopus databases with the terms “inferior vena cava ultrasound,” “transhepatic view,” “right mid-axillary view,” “right lateral intercostal view,” “ultrasound technique,” “inferior vena cava pitfalls,” and inferior vena cava ultrasound tips,” “intensive care unit.” The latest articles were reviewed and this review was written using the most current information.
Discussion:
A standardised ultrasound approach from mid-axillary line provides optimal image acquisition. When there are difficulties finding inferior vena cava or in obesity alternative approaches should be used. Potential pitfalls during acquisition are: misidentifying the inferior vena cava; technical issues in inferior vena cava measurements; utility of the inferior vena cava data in isolation.
Conclusion:
Mastering the ultrasound technique from the transhepatic view offers clinicians the opportunity to perform inferior vena cava ultrasound, even in the most challenging patients. Awareness of potential pitfalls and knowledge how to avoid them is important to intensive care unit clinicians to avoid wrong decisions at the bedside.
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