Cardiac ECHO Fundamentals for Sonographers

Course Overview

Designed for sonographers entering cardiac ultrasound or seeking to formalise their foundational knowledge, this module provides a structured introduction to transthoracic echocardiography. Participants will develop competence in standard 2D views, chamber quantification using biplane Simpson's method, and the assessment of left and right ventricular function.

The course integrates spectral and colour Doppler techniques for valvular assessment, with particular focus on aortic stenosis grading, mitral regurgitation quantification, and diastolic function evaluation. Practical case studies throughout the module reinforce the application of theory to clinical scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire and optimise standard transthoracic echocardiographic views
• Quantify left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction using biplane Simpson's method
• Assess right ventricular size and systolic function using TAPSE and FAC
• Grade aortic stenosis severity using integrated Doppler parameters
• Evaluate mitral regurgitation using colour flow and quantitative methods
• Perform a structured diastolic function assessment using current guidelines

Curriculum