Cardiac Ultrasound Training

SonoSim's cardiac ultrasound training was created to empower healthcare professionals with the skills and expertise needed for acquiring exceptional cardiac ultrasound imaging. Whether you train cardiac sonographers in a DMS program, want to develop echocardiography skills in aspiring cardiologists, or provide focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) education in a point-of-care setting - SonoSim can help. Our expansive & immersive curriculum encompasses a diverse range of echocardiography topics, including cardiac anatomy, echocardiography techniques, assessment of cardiac function, and examination of pathologic conditions. Through interactive modules, cutting-edge simulation technology, and pathologic case studies, SonoSim offers an immersive learning experience that enables you to master the intricacies of echocardiography, including essential cardiac ultrasound views.

Cardiac Ultrasound Exam Indications
Regional Anatomy & Physiology
Echocardiographic Anatomy
Scanning Technique for Echocardiography
Echocardiography Tips & Pitfalls
Pathologic Case Studies

SonoSim helps programs deliver high-quality, standardized echocardiography training and virtual cardiac ultrasound scanning practice. Our ultrasound education ecosystem is tailored to help programs meet American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and CAAHEP curricular guidelines for performing echocardiography and cardiac sonography education.

Basic cardiac anatomy & physiology and commonly encountered pathologic conditions are presented in our introductory online course, which comes with virtual echocardiographic scanning cases using basic cardiac imaging windows. Commonly encountered pathologic scanning cases are also provided.

An in-depth overview of advanced imaging windows and views is provided, along with Doppler applications including assessment of CO, SV, RAP, pRVSP, MAP, and stenotic and regurgitant valvular disorders. We've also included a comprehensive overview of cardiac chamber quantification, closely matching ASE guidelines, as well as assessment of LV mass, systolic function, and regional motion; LV and RV ventricular and atrial size; aortic root; thoracic aorta; and IVC.

SonoSim adds new content to expand cardiac ultrasound knowledge and virtual echocardiographic scanning through our Challenge Cases and Question bank functionality.

Learn the basic principles and artifacts of point of care cardiac ultrasound imaging and how to optimize image acquisition of the heart. Learn to identify and determine the size of pericardial effusion. Learn how to describe basic findings indicating right heart strain and method for determining if a pulmonary embolism is possibly present.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

Point-of-Care Echocardiography
Transducer Selection & Settings
Imaging Conventions & Windows
Inferior Vena Cava ( IVC ) Evaluation
Patient Positioning
8 Pathologic Cardiology Case Studies, including Pulmonary Embolism, Cardiac Tamponade, Pericardial Effusion, Pleural Effusion
Tips, Pitfalls, & Complications

The 20 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Male & Female, 18 Adult & 2 Pediatric
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Normal Adult & Pediatric Patients; Pericardial Effusion Patients; Pericardial Tamponade Patient; Moderate Dilated Cardiomyopathy Case; Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy Case; Cardiomyopathy with Pleural Effusion Patient; Cardiomyopathy with Pacemaker Wire Cases; Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Patient; Right Heart Overload with McConnell’s Sign Case
Scanning Approaches: Parasternal, Apical, Subcostal, Suprasternal, IVC
Transducer Types: Phased Array
Special Case Features: Anatomic Layer Removal

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Learn how to obtain and describe the appropriate cardiac imaging windows for DMS Protocols & the Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) examination to assess the heart and surrounding vascular system. Learn where, when, and how to use Doppler adjuncts to complete a FoCUS assessment. Learn to identify and evaluate unique sonographic characteristics of the heart to assess and obtain actionable measurements for cardiac output and pulmonary artery pressure.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

Traditional Echocardiographic Convention
Ultrasound Imaging Windows for FoCUS
The Use of Color and Spectral Doppler in FoCUS
Hemodynamics
Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measurements
Case Studies including Cardiac Output and Pulmonary Hypertension
Tips & Pitfalls in Performing Focused Cardiac Ultrasound ( FoCUS )
Examination

The 10 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Adult Only, Male & Female
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Tricuspid Regurgitation, Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation and Aortic Stenosis, Dilated and Concentric Ventricular Hypertrophy, Cardiomyopathies, Pulmonary Hypertension, Use of IVC to Estimate Right Atrial Pressures
Doppler & Imaging Modes: Color-Flow Doppler, Continuous-Wave Doppler, Pulsed-Wave Doppler, M-Mode
Scanning Approaches: Parasternal, Apical, IVC, Subcostal, Suprasternal
Transducer Types: Phased Array
Special Case Features: Cardiac Calipers, Anatomic Layer Removal

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Learn how to identify and evaluate the unique sonographic characteristics of valvular regurgitant and stenotic disorders of the heart as part DMS protocol training or the Focused Cardiac Ultrasound ( FoCUS ). Learn the ideal echocardiographic windows to use to detect valvular heart disorders. Learn to evaluate specific valvular disorders affecting the aortic, mitral, pulmonic, and tricuspid valves using ultrasound.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

Anatomy & Physiology of the Heart
Transducer Selection & Machine Setting Review
Echocardiographic Technique & Ultrasound Windows
Doppler Imaging including Spectral and Color-Flow
Case Studies on Valvular Regurgitation & Valvular Stenosis, including Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid, and Pulmonic Valve Dysfunction

The 10 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Adult Only, Male & Female
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Aortic Valve Regurgitation with Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Moderate Aortic Valve Regurgitation and Mild Pulmonic Valve Regurgitation, Severe Aortic Stenosis, Prosthetic Mitral Valve, Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation and Severe Cardiomyopathy, Mitral Stenosis, Moderate-to-Severe Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation, Severe Pulmonary Hypertension with Severe Tricuspid and Pulmonary Regurgitation, Cardiac Mass, Pericardial Effusion, Pleural Effusion, and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Ischemic Cardiomyopathy with Diminished LVEF
Doppler & Imaging Modes: Color-Flow Doppler, Continuous-Wave Doppler, Pulsed-Wave Doppler, M-Mode
Scanning Approaches: Parasternal, Apical, Proximal IVC, Subcostal, Suprasternal
Transducer Types: Phased Array
Special Case Features: Cardiac Calipers, Anatomic Layer Removal

Echocardiography III will be released soon and be suitable for DMS protocol training as well as Advanced FOCUS training. This ultrasound training topic will cover cardiac chamber quantification, assessment of LV mass, systolic function, and regional motion, LV and RV ventricular and atrial size, aortic root, and thoracic aorta, and IVC, among other topics.

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Learn the relationship of traditional illustrative and sonographic anatomy and how to interpret ultrasound imaging of the heart. Learn sonographic techniques and scanning approaches used in cardiac ultrasound imaging. Learn characterize the heart using ultrasonography.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

External & Internal Heart Anatomy
Histophysiology
Cardiac Cycle
Circulation
Sonographic Anatomy of the Heart, including Parasternal Long-Axis and Four-Chamber Views
Sonographic Techniques, including Acquiring the Parasternal, Apical & Subcostal Windows
Diagnostic & Clinical Application
Pearls & Pitfalls when Evaluating the Heart

The 5 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Male & Female, 4 Adult & 1 Pediatric
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Normal examples of heart anatomy
Transducer Types: Phased Array
Special Case Features: Additional Chest CT Imaging, Anatomic Layer Removal

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Learn the role of bedside echocardiography in the evaluation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device ( LVAD ) patient with acute clinical decompensation. Explore the mechanics of various LVAD types, as well as LVAD complications and how to determine underlying etiology. Problem-focused echocardiographic technique is described for assessing the initial evaluation and management of LVAD patients. Develop the requisite cognitive task awareness and visuospatial skills required to perform LVAD problem-focused echocardiography.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

The Role of Ultrasound in LVAD Optimization
LVAD Types
Physiologic Considerations with LVAD
Clinical Assessment of LVADs
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
LVAD-Related Complications
Echocardiographic Technique
Case Studies on Initial Resuscitation & Problem-Focused Echocardiography

The 3 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Adult Only, Male
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Continuous-Flow LVAD, Pericardial Effusion, Ventricular Dysfunctions, Pacemaker
Doppler & Imaging Modes: Color-Flow Doppler, Continuous-Wave Doppler, Power Doppler, M-Mode
Scanning Approaches: Parasternal, Apical, IVC Inlet, Subcostal
Transducer Types: Phased Array
Special Case Features: Additional Chest X-Ray Imaging, Anatomic Layer Removal

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Learn about the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the resuscitation of a patient in cardiac arrest. Resuscitative TEE indications, regional anatomy, echocardiographic anatomy, echocardiographic technique, and complications will be discussed. The course also reviews imaging tips, possible complications and risks, and benefits of resuscitative TEE. Develop the requisite cognitive task awareness and visuospatial skills foundation to build upon when learning how to perform TEE for resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography ( TEE ) in Resuscitation
Regional Anatomy Relevant to TEE
Echocardiographic Anatomy & Key Positions
Echocardiographic Technique & Considerations
Imaging Tips & Pitfalls when Performing TEE
TEE Case Studies of use in Acute Coronary Syndrome, Massive Pulmonary Embolism and Aortic Dissection

The 2 real patient scanning cases & 2 SkillBox cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Adult Only, Male & Female
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Develop Visuospatial Skills & Cognitive Task Awareness Needed to Manipulate a TEE Transducer & Acquire the Imaging Angles Necessary to Achieve Desired TEE Views
Doppler & Imaging Modes: Color-Flow Doppler
Scanning Approaches: Intra-Oral, Upper-Esophageal, Mid-Esophageal, Transgastric, Distal-Thoracic Aorta, Mid-Thoracic Aorta, Proximal-Thoracic Aorta, Upper Esophageal Aortic Arch
Transducer Types: TEE
Special Case Features: Anatomic Layer Removal, Simulated TEE Probe Tip Flexion, Extension, Imaging Transducer Angle Changes, & Rotation Controls, Keyboard/Mouse Controls (SonoSimulator Ultrasound Probe still required for license)

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Learn the principles of performing an ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis. Explore the use of ultrasound to detect pericardial effusions, understand clinical indications for performing pericardiocentesis, and how to identify echocardiographic findings suggestive of cardiac tamponade physiology. Learn the steps necessary for performing ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis. Develop the requisite cognitive task awareness and visuospatial skills required to perform ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis.

Course Highlights

SonoSimulator Scanning Cases

The course in this module covers topics including:

Procedure Indications & Contraindications
Site Selection
Sonography Anatomy & Characteristics
Transducer Selection & Settings
Ergonomic Considerations
Patient Positioning
Infection Prevention
Survey Scan & Procedure Steps
Doppler-Mode Imaging
Tips, Pitfalls, & Complications

The 10 real patient scanning cases in this module include and cover:

Patient Types: Male & Female, 10 Adult
Relevant Findings/Pathology: Small Pericardial Effusions, Moderate Pericardial Effusions, Large Pericardial Effusions, Cardiac Tamponade Cases, Male & Female Patients with Variable Body Habitus, Multiple Diagnostic Imaging Windows
Doppler & Imaging Modes: M-Mode
Scanning Approaches: Parasternal, Apical, & Subcostal Windows
Procedure Techniques: In-Plane & Out-of-Plane Needle Guidance