Vascular
4 days
Advanced Vascular Ultrasound Course
ACRRM, RACGP
Course highlights
- Probe manipulation techniques
- Vascular anatomy
- Basics of non-ultrasound peripheral arterial assessment
- Ultrasound peripheral arterial assessment
- Interpretation of results
- Superficial venous examination
- Venous insufficiency
- Venous mapping
- Abdominal vascular anatomy review
- Doppler examination of abdominal vasculature
- Renal artery disease and examination technique
Course Dates
Description
Ultrasound is an excellent non-invasive diagnostic tool to assess soft tissue, particularly vessels from lower and upper limbs and trunk. Patients presenting with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and arterial stenosis (renal and abdominal aortic stenosis) can be comprehensively assessed and monitored through duplex ultrasound (DUS), which consists of a combination of two-dimensional ultrasound and spectral Doppler examination.
In clinical practice, duplex ultrasound can be used to identify incompetent veins and arterial stenosis to determine whether or not an abnormal vessel is responsible for the patient’s complication. However, an appropriate technique is required to assess veins and arteries.
This four-day course has been designed to provide a foundation for the use of state-of-the-art techniques in advanced vascular diagnosis for Sonographers, Vascular Surgeons and all other interested ultrasound medical practitioners. Prior experience in routine scanning and prior knowledge of basic ultrasound is assumed.
The topics provide an overview of anatomical and ultrasound pattern recognition in various abdominal and peripheral vessels. Discussions will be held on examination techniques and the avoidance of common inaccuracies encountered in practice. Particular attention is given to both the role of colour Doppler and the practical probe manipulation manoeuvres required to obtain good ultrasound “windows” of vessels. Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired in small group hands-on scanning sessions that are directed by our team of experienced vascular Sonographers.
Who should attend?
- Phlebologist
- Radiologist
- Sonographer
- Vascular Surgeon
Objectives
The objectives of this vascular ultrasound course are:
- To provide instruction in vascular anatomy, abdominal vasculature and renal pathology and diagnosis, along with the techniques of ultrasound vascular assessment of the peripheral arterial system and the lower limb superficial venous system.
- To provide an understanding of the basics of non-ultrasound peripheral arterial testing.
- To provide extended practical tuition in the techniques of vascular scanning, including colour & spectral Doppler techniques.
Prerequisites
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
| None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
| Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
| Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ACRRM
This course is approved for 27 total activity hours. PDP units: 26 Educational Activity. MOPS points: 1. Grant eligibility: Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery.
RACGP
CPD Accredited Activity under RACGP 2023-25 CPD program. Approved for Educational Activities 9.5 hours, 14.5 hours Reviewing Performance hours, Grant eligibility: Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery. Provider Number 214288, Activity ID 439422
HOURS
| Theoretical | 6 |
| Practical | 12 |
| Total | 18 |
CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.