Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound

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. Integrate routine scan protocols during evaluation of the abdomen, venous system of the lower and upper extremities, thorax and adult heart.
4. Recognize normal/abnormal image characteristics of the abdomen, thorax, upper and lower extremity venous system and adult heart.
5. Describe image orientation, transducer preparation, & scan protocols for performing use of ultrasound guidance in the placement of peripheral and central venous lines & arterial catheters.
6. Demonstrate ultrasound applications in the evaluation of the critically ill unstable patient.
7. Explain the use of U/S guidance for performing thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis & endotracheal tube placement.
8. Describe image orientation, transducer placement, and scan protocols for performing ultrasound for lung imaging and evaluation of Pneumothorax.
9. Discuss the process of hospital credentialing and review billing and reimbursement policies.
10. Increase participant’s knowledge to better perform and/or interpret ultrasound examinations.

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)