Introduction to Carotid Duplex/Color Flow Imaging -- October 2011

At the completion of this program, the participant should be able to:

1. Identify the anatomy/physiology of the cerebrovascular system
2. Discuss Doppler/color physics & be able to (sonographers) apply these principles to optimize system controls or (physicians) utilize this information for identifying technical errors which may result in misdiagnosis.
3. Perform routine scan protocols and Doppler calculations in a complete carotid duplex/color examination.
4. Differentiate normal/abnormal spectral Doppler/color characteristics.
5. List methods for obtaining quantitative information & state the diagnostic relevance of each measurement.
6. Describe & characterize plaque & other pathologies associated with cerebrovascular disease.
7. Discuss IMT measurements & evaluation & their clinical significance as a screening method for cardiovascular disease.
8. Integrate the information to include and prepare a structured report for a carotid ultrasound examination.
9. Increase knowledge to perform and/or interpret carotid U/S exams.

Course Topics:

• Doppler/Color fundamentals
• Anatomy/physiology and disease progression
• Normal spectral analysis
• Carotid scan protocol
• Disease progression & clinical history
• Carotid stenosis assessment
• IMT: Measurement and Evaluation
• Interactive interpretation case studies
• Non-atherosclerotic abnormalities
• Carotid pitfalls — a case-based approach
• How to structure a report (case examples)
• Hands-on sessions