Basic Echocardiography Techniques Simulation

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most commonly performed cardiac ultrasound examination. This module provides an introduction to echocardiography and teaches you the basic techniques required to begin echocardiographic examination of the heart. The interactive simulator provides three scan scenarios that cover different situations you might encounter in the clinical environment. Online simulations enable students and practitioners to build or refresh knowledge and cognitive skills, and offer a safe practice environment so you can prepare for the real clinical world. Simulations also give you the opportunity to try out procedures that you might not otherwise experience. This module is ideal if you are studying for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry exams.

You’ll learn

typical protocols for transthoracic echocardiography
appropriate patient positioning and breathing techniques for cardiac ultrasound examinations
to identify and obtain suitable echocardiographic views
how 2D imaging (B-mode), M-mode and Doppler ultrasound are used to assess the heart
to practice, perfect and test your skills in performing an echocardiographic assessment of the heart
to better visualize and understand the anatomy and physiology of the heart and important cardiac landmarks, with our 3D model and illustrations
how to measure structures on ultrasound images
how to identify on images the signs and symptoms of cardiac disease
much more (see “Content Details” for more specific information).

Step 1 - Anatomical overview
Step 1.1 - Orientation
Step 1.1.1 - Anatomic directions
Step 1.1.2 - Scanning planes
Step 1.1.3 - On-screen orientation
Step 1.2 - Cross-sectional anatomy of the heart
Step 1.3 - Anatomical landmarks
Step 1.3.1 - Thoracic landmarks
Step 1.3.2 - Cardiac landmarks
Step 1.4 - Scanning windows
Step 2 - Introduction to echocardiography
Step 2.1 - Basic cardiac physiology
Step 2.2 - Signs and symptoms of cardiac disease
Step 2.3 - Types of echocardiography (TTE, TEE, Stress echo)
Step 2.3.1 - Transthoracic echocardiography
Step 2.3.2 - Transesophageal echocardiography
Step 2.3.3 - Stress echocardiography
Step 3 - Preprocedure considerations
Step 3.1 - Patient preparation
Step 3.2 - History
Step 3.3 - Patient position
Step 3.4 - Equipment
Step 4 - Basic techniques
Step 4.1 - Transducer selection
Step 4.2 - Transducer manipulation
Step 4.2.1 - Sweeping
Step 4.2.2 - Rotating
Step 4.2.3 - Rocking
Step 4.3 - Transducer pressure
Step 4.4 - Transmission gel
Step 4.5 - Breathing
Step 5 - Two-dimensional imaging
Step 5.1 - Image optimization
Step 5.1.1 - Sector size
Step 5.1.2 - Focal zones
Step 5.1.3 - Time gain compensation
Step 5.1.4 - Lateral gain compensation
Step 5.1.5 - Zoom
Step 5.1.6 - Gain
Step 5.1.7 - Dynamic range
Step 5.1.8 - Harmonics imaging
Step 6 - M-mode
Step 6.1 - Image optimization
Step 6.1.1 - Cursor alignment
Step 6.1.2 - Sweep speed
Step 6.1.3 - Gain
Step 7 - Doppler
Step 7.1 - Principles of Doppler ultrasound
Step 7.1.1 - Spectral Doppler
Step 7.1.2 - Color Doppler
Step 8 - Standard echocardiography procedure
Step 8.1 - Protocol
Step 8.2 - Annotation
Step 9 - 2D (B-mode) imaging
Step 9.1 - Parasternal long axis
Step 9.2 - Parasternal survey scan
Step 9.3 - Parasternal short axis views
Step 9.4 - Apical views
Step 9.4.1 - Apical four-chamber view
Step 9.4.2 - Apical five-chamber view
Step 9.4.3 - Apical two-chamber view
Step 9.4.4 - Apical long axis view
Step 9.5 - Subcostal views
Step 9.5.1 - Subcostal four-chamber view
Step 9.5.2 - Subcostal interatrial septal view
Step 9.5.3 - Subcostal view
Step 9.5.4 - Subcostal descending aorta view
Step 9.6 - Suprasternal views
Step 9.7 - Measurement
Step 9.7.1 - Example of 2D measurement in parasternal long axis view
Step 10 - M-mode
Step 10.1 - M-mode parasternal long axis
Step 10.1.1 - M-mode images of the right and left ventricles
Step 10.1.2 - M-mode images of the mitral valve
Step 10.1.3 - M-mode images of the aortic root and the left atrium
Step 10.2 - Parasternal short axis M-mode
Step 11 - Postprocedure considerations
Step 11.1 - Integration of test results with clinical findings
Step 11.2 - Patient
Step 11.3 - Preliminary report
Step 12 - Professional considerations
Step 12.1 - Ergonomics
Step 12.2 - Professional involvement

All required reference materials are provided with this program. Technical requirements:

Internet Connection
• Broadband or High-Speed (DSL, Cable, Wireless)
Hardware Requirements
• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

Software Requirements
• Operating Systems - Windows 7, 8 or 10; Mac OS x 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• Adobe PDF Reader

This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.