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Focused cardiac ultrasound
FoCUS practice: is the LV impaired, is the RV dilated?
Focused cardiac ultrasound answers a few yes-or-no questions at the bedside. Two of the most important are whether the left ventricle is significantly impaired and whether the right ventricle is dilated. These free simulators let you practise exactly those calls on loops where the true answer is known.
Free. Your first 3 cases need no account; after that, a quick sign-in with a one-time code by email. Educational simulation to use under the supervision of a clinical tutor — not for clinical use.
Why these two questions
- A focused scan is only useful if the visual call is reliable. An LV that looks “a bit impaired” and an RV that looks “maybe big” change management very differently from a confident yes or no.
- Beginners tend to over-call RV dilatation from a foreshortened view and under-call LV impairment in a fast heart. Seeing many cases with exact answers corrects both.
- The simulators show the standard views a focused scan uses, so the practice transfers directly to the bedside.
What to practise
- LV function Practise grading LV systolic function by eye, from normal to severely impaired, on parasternal and apical views.
- RV function Practise judging RV size against the LV and spotting RV systolic impairment and septal flattening.
What the simulators cover, and what they do not
- Covered: LV systolic function by eye, and RV size and function, in the standard views.
- Not covered: pericardial effusion, IVC and volume status, pleural and lung ultrasound. Learn and practise these on your FoCUS course and with your supervisor.
- Use the simulators to sharpen your eye between supervised scans; your FoCUS logbook and assessments still come from real patients.
Guides
Questions
Is this a FoCUS course?
No. It is free extra practice on two of the core FoCUS questions. It does not replace a course, supervised scanning or accreditation.
Do I need echo experience to use it?
No. Start with the beginner level in LV function; each case shows the true answer after you make your call.
Does it cover pericardial effusion or the IVC?
Not at the moment. The simulators cover the LV and the RV; pericardial effusion and IVC assessment are not included.
For training only. Educational simulation to use under the supervision of a clinical tutor — not for clinical use. Echo Wizard is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS, the National School of Healthcare Science, the British Society of Echocardiography or any course.