Courses

Adult Echocardiography

·        May 12-16, 2008      

·        October 6-10, 2008

·        March 2-6, 2009
·        May 11-15, 2009

The Adult Echocardiography courses provide an introduction to basic cardiac ultrasound techniques, including two-dimensional and m-mode echocardiography and spectral and color flow Doppler. A combined lecture and hands-on porcine heart dissection format provides coverage of relevant cardiac anatomy. An introduction to basic ultrasound and Doppler physics is followed by an overview of normal and abnormal patterns as well as quantitative analysis. Pathophysiology relevant to common cardiac diagnoses is covered in a systematic fashion. While brief overviews of advanced techniques such as transesophageal and stress echocardiography are provided, the emphasis is on fundamental and practical aspects of adult echocardiography. There are several interpretation workshops and a guided self-assessment workbook. An extensive syllabus with lecture summaries and recent reprints is provided to each participant. Several small-group scanning labs are conducted using up-to-date equipment from most of the major manufacturers to provide practical "hands-on" experience. William O. Ntim, MD, Director; Pam Burgess, RDCS, RDMS, RVT, Coordinator.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·       Identify the basic sonographic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.

·       Interpret the fundamental physical principles of cardiac ultrasound.

·       Discuss pathophysiology and echocardiographic diagnoses of common adult cardiac disorders.

CME Credit Hours:  31

Fee:  $1395

Nerve And Muscle Ultrasound

·        May 2, 2008

·        November 7, 2008

The Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Ultrasound courses present a brief introduction to basic principles of ultrasound technology and physics.  Experience has indicated that this broad topic is best integrated in with hands-on demonstrations of technique and case interpretation.  It is in real-time use of the instrument that the practitioner recognizes the importance of this type of basic knowledge and it is in this context that they can apply this knowledge to troubleshoot difficult imaging cases, identify artifacts, and improve resolution at the bedside.  Subsequent lectures in this course will focus on applications in muscle disease, peripheral and cranial nerve imaging, and an introduction to the use of ultrasound in evaluating musculoskeletal disorders.  The afternoon sessions are designed to provide a mix of demonstrations by experts and hands-on experience for the participants to apply their learning.  It also uses a small group format to facilitate questions and answers, and tailoring of the educational experience to meet the specific needs of individual participants.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·      Define basic terms of ultrasound imaging including anisotropy, m-mode imaging, b-mode imaging, time gain compensation, shadowing, enhanced through- transmission, and beam width artifact and be able to demonstrate application of these principles while imaging neuromuscular structures.

·       Identify upper extremity, lower extremity, and cranial musculature, and the visible boundaries that distinguish muscle groups in these areas.

·      Recognize loss of heterogeneity, fasciculations, hyperechoic changes, hypertrophy and other common pathologic changes in affected human  muscles.

·   Identify the full extent of median, radial, and ulnar nerves in the upper extremity, and areas of the sural, peroneal and tibial nerves in the lower extremity, and to recognize common anatomic variants and pathologic abnormalities of these nerves.

·      Discuss indications for appropriate use of ultrasound imaging, factors that could complicate interpretation, and clinical situations where ultrasound imaging is particularly contributory to addressing clinical problems.

CME Credit Hours:  7

         $395  Single Course

Neurovascular Ultrasound
    (Carotid and Transcranial Doppler)

·        May 5-9, 2008
    (Carotid: May 5-7; TCD: May 8-9)

·        August 18-22, 2008

(Carotid: August 18-20; TCD: August 21-22)

·        November 10-14, 2008

(Carotid: November 10-14; TCD: November 13-14)

·        May 4-8, 2009

(Carotid: May 4-6; TCD: May 7-8)

The Neurovascular Ultrasound courses present the basic principles of ultrasound physics and technology as well as anatomy, pathophysiology and hemodynamics regarding the extra- and intracranial cerebral circulation. Carotid duplex sonography, color-flow imaging, transcranial Doppler (TCD), embolus detection and new developments in ultrasonographic methods are presented during both lectures and hands-on scanning lab sessions. The emphasis is on clinical applications, case examples and principles of interpretation. The courses are designed as a one week curriculum, and students are encouraged to attend for the entire week. However, the first three days focus on principles, physics and extracranial carotid sonography, while the last two days focus on TCD. Either part may be attended separately. Charles H. Tegeler IV, MD, Director; Lawrence Myers, MBA, RDMS, RVT, Coordinator.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·      Define the basic principles of ultrasound physics and technology, as well as pertinent anatomy, pathophysiology, and hemodynamics regarding the extra-and intracranial cerebral circulation.

·      Discuss indications and applications for extracranial duplex ultrasound, color-flow imaging, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound.

·       Describe indications and application of adjunctive neurovascular diagnostic procedures such as vasomotor reactivity testing, provocative hyperemic cuff testing, positional blood flow evaluation and emboli detection.

·      Discuss criteria for the interpretation of carotid duplex and transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies.

CME Credit Hours:    37  Neurovascular
                                    22.5  Carotid (Only)
                                    14.5  Transcranial Doppler (Only)

Fees:$1495     Neurovascular
          $995       Carotid (Only)
          $695       Transcranial Doppler (Only)

Neurovascular Interpretation

·        December 8-12, 2008

The Neurovascular Interpretation course is designed for attendees to interpret at least 200 neurovascular ultrasound cases (100 carotid and 100 TCD studies) in a supervised environment. Case presentations will include brief clinical history and, when available, the results of correlative studies. Videotape, digital images, and other hard copy results will be reviewed and an interpretation created. The clinical reading will be provided for comparison with the interpretation created by the attendee. Some unknown cases will be reviewed and submitted for critique. Prior completion of the Neurovascular Ultrasound course (or its equivalent) including hands-on and practical interpretation experience is strongly encouraged. Charles H. Tegeler IV, MD, Director.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·      Discuss criteria for the interpretation of carotid duplex and transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies.

·      Discuss the descriptors of plaque features used for interpretation of B-mode imaging data on carotid duplex ultrasonography.

·      Create a preliminary interpretation of carotid duplex and transcranial Doppler ultrasound examinations.

CME Credit Hours:  40

Fee:  $1495

Obstetrical Ultrasound

·        September 8-12, 2008

·        February 2-6, 2009

·        June 1-5, 2009

The Obstetrical Ultrasound courses are a combined course in obstetrics and gynecology with the primary emphasis devoted to the study of obstetrics. The first day is primarily gynecology, including lectures in orientation and terminology of the gynecology tract and hands-on transvaginal scan labs. The remaining days are devoted to obstetrics. This course includes approximately 15 hours of dedicated lectures by experienced physicians and sonologists. The remaining time is spent in scan labs with obstetrical patients under the guidance of an experienced sonologist. Since many general OB/GYN textbooks are available, no specific text is required. Heather Mertz, MD, Director; Anita Fleming, RDMS, Coordinator.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·      Translate key topics in basic obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound and physics.

·      Demonstrate skillful scanning techniques when assessing obstetrical and gynecological patients.

·      Identify normal anatomy and common abnormal pathology of the fetus, placenta, ovaries and the non-gravid uterus.

CME Credit Hours:  31

Fee:   $1395

Peripheral Vascular

·        November 3-6, 2008

·        March 9-12, 2009

The Peripheral Vascular courses describe how ultrasound is applied to the detection and evaluation of disorders affecting extremity and abdominal blood vessels. Anatomy and physiology of the circulation is covered, along with the signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. An overview of ultrasound and Doppler physics is included. Scanning labs address technical skills for both the novice and those with experience with ultrasound imaging. Scan labs concentrate upon duplex and color flow Doppler modalities. (Carotid artery disease is addressed in the Neurovascular courses.) With an emphasis on the interpretation of test results, this course has been designed as one for physicians, general/cardiac sonographers and vascular technologists. Terence N. Needham, RVT, FSVT, Director and Coordinator.

Learner Objectives

At the conclusion of this continuing medical education activity, the participant should be better able to:

·      Recognize the prevalence of peripheral vascular disease in the general population and the signs and symptoms of its effects upon the vasculature.

·      Select the most appropriate peripheral vascular study according to the patient's signs and symptoms, incorporating an appreciation of the limitations of each testing modality.

·      Interpret the results from noninvasive peripheral vascular studies and be able to differentiate true information from artifactual.

CME Credit Hours:  25

Fee:  $1195