Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound

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

Objectives

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

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
• Interactive Case Studies