25

Normal Blood Flow: Normal Blood Flow Through the Aortic Valve

The parasternal and apical views show blood flow through the aortic valve. Normal left ventricular outflow (LVOT) occurs in systole, as blood moves from the left ventricle to the aorta.

This systolic parasternal long-axis view shows normal LVOT. An enhanced velocity map is used. Since the blood flow is moving only slightly toward the transducer, it is predominantly dark red. The laminar blood flow has the red and orange color assignment indicating higher velocity flow.

This normal LVOT captured in systole from the apical five-chamber view uses an enhanced velocity map. This blood flow moves almost directly away from the transducer and is primarily blue. The yellows, oranges, and reds in the jet represent the aliased signals from very high velocities. The smooth progression from blue to red indicates laminar blood flow.