Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound

Program Name: Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound -- March 2011
Start Date: 03/16/2011
End Date: 03/18/2011
AMA Cat. 1 CME Credits: 24.0
Other CME Credits: 22.25 ACEP
Advanced Registration: $1,865.00
Regular Registration: $1,905.00
Location: Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute, Inc.
Address: 4615 Gulf Blvd. Ste 205
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

The Advanced Registration fee is honored if payment is made/postmarked 21 days or more prior to the beginning date of the program.

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

1. Discuss the basic fundamentals of ultrasound physics/instrumentation and recognize image artifacts.
2. Demonstrate the operation of the ultrasound system controls and transducer selection.
3. Recognize normal/abnormal image characteristics of the abdomen, thorax (including lung and pneumothorax), upper and lower extremity venous system, and adult heart.
4. Perform routine scan protocols for evaluation of the abdomen, venous system of the lower and upper extremities, thorax (including lung & pneumothorax), and adult heart.
5. Describe image orientation, transducer preparation, and scan protocols for performing use of ultrasound guidance in the placement of peripheral and central venous lines and arterial catheters.
6. Demonstrate ultrasound applications in the evaluation of the critically ill unstable patient.
7. Explain the use of ultrasound guidance for performing thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis and endotracheal tube placement.
8. Describe image orientation, transducer placement, and scan protocols for performing ultrasound for lung imaging and evaluation of pneumothorax.
9. Increase knowledge and confidence to perform and/or interpret critical care ultrasound examinations.
10. Apply the information discussed in a clinical setting, under supervised conditions until an acceptable level of proficiency and appropriate hospital credentialing has been achieved.

Course Topics:

• Imaging fundamentals/System optimization
• Focused abdominal scan techniques
• FAST exam and pneumothorax
• Case studies: Abdominal
• 2D cardiac views
• Echo and shock
• Pericardial effusion/Tamponade
• Cardiomyopathies
• MI and complications
• Ultrasound-guided vascular access
• Ultrasound-guided procedures: Thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis, paracentesis, ET placement, lung
• Venous imaging
• Putting it all together: Case based approach: Cardiac/Abdominal/Vascular/Procedures/Misc.
• Credentialing and reimbursement
• Hands-on sessions: Cardiac/Abdomen/Venous/Procedures/ Vascular access (phantoms)

Who Can Attend?

Critical care, intensivists, pulmonologists, trauma, & emergency medicine physicians who will be involved with performing & interpreting ultrasound exams. Also, internal medicine and family practice physicians may attend. Advanced sonographers and PAs also welcome.

Faculty:
Christian Butcher, MD, FCCP
Charlotte Derr, MD, RDMS, FACEP
Alexander B. Levitov, MD, FCCM, RDCS
Corky Hecht, BA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT (N)

The Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute designates this educational activity for a maximum of 24.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 22.25 hours of ACEP Category I credit.

This course also meets CME/CEU requirements for ARDMS. Note: While offering the CME credit hours noted above, activities are not intended to provide extensive training or certification for exam performance or interpretation.