Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound

Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound is designed to provide a strong foundation to perform the core critical care ultrasound applications as outlined in the WINFOCUS and ACEP practice guidelines. This critical-care ultrasound hands-on course/program incorporates comprehensive lectures, interactive case presentations, and extensive hands-on scanning, featuring a 3:1 ratio with live models and inanimate phantoms. This course includes a pre-course webinar entitled Ultrasound Imaging Fundamentals.

Topics

• Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access
• Abdominal Scanning Fundamentals
• FAST & EFAST Exam
• Focused 2D Cardiac Exam (FATE)
• Biliary & Renal Colic
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Evaluation of DVT
• Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest, Shock & Hypotension
• Ultrasound Guided Procedures: Pericardiocentesis, Paracentesis, Hemothorax, Lumbar Puncture, ET
• Interactive Case Studies
• Training and Credentialing

Objectives

• Increase the participant’s knowledge to better perform and/or interpret Critical Care ultrasound examinations.
• State the basic fundamentals of ultrasound physics and demonstrate appropriate optimization for system controls.
• Perform ultrasound evaluation of the trauma patient (E-FAST exam).
• Demonstrate image orientation, transducer placement, and scan protocols for performing ultrasound evaluation of pneumothorax.
• Demonstrate scan protocols for focused evaluation of the abdomen, aorta, and adult heart, and lower extremity DVT.
• Demonstrate image orientation, transducer preparation, and scan protocols for performing ultrasound guided vascular access.
• Differentiate normal/abnormal image characteristics of the abdomen and adult heart.
• State an algorithm for assessing causes of shock and hypotension using bedside ultrasound.
• Demonstrate protocols for performing thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis, paracentesis, and lumbar puncture.
• Increase competence to incorporate protocols, scan techniques, and interpretation criteria into clinical practice.