Physics of Emergency Ultrasound –

This lecture is designed to introduce the emergency physician to concepts needed to understand and perform focused ultrasound scanning.  Topics include basic physics, image refinement, as well as probe orientation and selection.

Abdominal Imaging –

This lecture will introduce the emergency physician to the ultrasound appearance of normal abdominal anatomy.  Examples of organ systems to be reviewed will include the liver, spleen, kidney, bladder and vasculature.  Examples of pathologic conditions will be provided to contrast with normal anatomy.  Concepts of optimal image visualization including probe placement and image refinement will be reinforced in this lecture.

Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis –

This lecture will commence with a review of the ultrasound appearance of normal hepato-biliary anatomy.  Concepts of optimal image visualization including probe placement and image refinement will be reinforced in this lecture.  The emergency physician will be introduced to the ultrasound appearance of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm –

This lecture will review the normal vascular anatomy of the vena cava and abdominal aorta.  Ultrasound techniques to differentiate artery and vein will be discussed.  Concepts of optimal image visualization including probe placement and image refinement will be reinforced.

Trauma FAST Exam –

This lecture will provide the emergency physician with the knowledge and ability to identify hemoperitoneum and pericardial tamponade in the acutely traumatize patient. Concepts of imaging including proper probe placement and image optimization will be discussed. The ability of ultrasound to detect hemothorax and pneumothorax will be introduced.

Ultrasound Guided Vascular Access –

Participants will become familiar with the rationale and techniques used to obtain vascular access using ultrasound guidance.  An evidenced-based approach will be used to introduce optimal sites and techniques.  The need and techniques to differentiate between veins and arteries will be reinforced. Alternative sources of access beyond the deep venous system will be introduced.

Emergency Ultrasound Scanning Lab –

This session will provide participants with an opportunity to practice the knowledge and techniques learned in the morning lecture series.  Participants will work in small groups with a course instructor.  Each participant will be expected to demonstrate the ability to properly image abdominal organs on simulated patients.  The participant will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the imaging of the gallbladder, aorta, spleen and kidneys.   Participants will also be expected to properly perform a transvaginal ultrasound and identify the female reproductive anatomy. At the conclusion of this lab, each participant will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper choice of ultrasound probes, as well as recognition of ultrasound image artifacts and adjustments that can be made to improve image quality.
2. Demonstrate proficiency at performing the hepatobiliary, aorta, kidney, FAST and vascular examinations using ultrasound.
3. Demonstrate proper positioning and techniques for vascular access using ultrasound phantoms to simulate vascular anatomy.

The Cardiac Exam –

This lecture will provide an introduction to basic concepts of a focused ultrasound of the heart. Probe positioning and differences between cardiac places of view will be explained. The ultrasound appearance of normal cardiac anatomy will be reviewed. The ultrasound appearance of normal cardiac anatomy will be reviewed. The ultrasound appearance of pathologic conditions such as cardiac tamponade, wall motion abnormalities and right ventricular strain will be introduced

.

Normal Gynecological Anatomy and Evaluation of First Trimester Pregnancy –

This lecture will begin with a review of normal female gynecological anatomy and its appearance using transvaginal ultrasound.  Concepts of optimal image visualization including probe placement and image refinement will be reinforced in this lecture. The benefits of transvaginal over transabdominal imaging will be discussed. Examples of normal anatomy will be contrasted with pathologic conditions including fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts and tubo-ovarian abscess. The lecture will discuss and review normal ultrasound findings during early pregnancy including gestational sac, yolk sac and fetal pole. Examples of abnormal findings including ectopic pregnancy and subchorionic hemorrhage will be reviewed.

DVT –

The normal deep venous anatomy of the lower extremity will be reviewed. Literature supporting emergency physician’s ability to diagnose deep venous thrombosis will be reviewed. Ultrasound techniques that can be used by the emergency physician to make a preliminary diagnosis of DVT will be introduced.

Ultrasound Examination of the Soft Tissues –

This lecture is designed to introduce the emergency physician to concepts needed to recognize superficial skin structures and their normal ultrasound appearance. Topics will include implementing techniques and imagery to identify pathologic conditions such as cellulitis, abscess and foreign bodies. Emergency physicians will become familiar with proper ultrasound probe selection and imaging techniques; differentiate between cellulitis and abscess by the presentation of literature and techniques using ultrasound; and be able to identify and remove various types of foreign bodies using ultrasound.

Emergency Ultrasound Scanning Lab –

This session will provide participants with an opportunity to practice the knowledge and techniques learned in the morning lecture series.  Participants will work in small groups with a course instructor.

At the conclusion of this lab, each participant will be able to:

1. Review and demonstrate proper choice of ultrasound probes, as well as recognition of ultrasound image artifacts and adjustments that can be made to improve image quality.
2. Demonstrate proficiency at performing the cardiac, transabdominal and transvaginal, DVT and soft tissue ultrasound examinations.
3. Review and demonstrate hepatobiliary, aorta, kidney, FAST and vascular examinations using ultrasound.
4. Review and demonstrate proper positioning and techniques for vascular access using ultrasound phantoms to simulate vascular anatomy.