Last week we walked through a case study demonstration, using the ASE’s chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) algorithm. This week, we have another case study to present– let’s see how you quantify the severity of MR!
Mitral Regurgitation Case Study! Read More »
Our blog last week discussed the algorithm for determining the severity of chronic mitral regurgitation, provided by the ASE! If you missed it, you can find it here! Let’s use this information and work through a case study together!
Mitral Regurgitation Case Study Demonstration! Read More »
Before jumping into assessing the RV with the Fractional Area Change method, lets recap the past couple weeks. Last week, we talked about two methods for quantifying the function of the RV (TAPSE & S’ Wave). We selected these methods to explain first due to ease, reproducibility and established prognostic value. As some of our readers pointed out and as we discussed the TAPSE and S’ Wave methods do have limitations though. The 3 main limitations are:
5 Things to Know about Using Fractional Area Change (FAC) to Assess RV Function Read More »
We have been discussing the importance of evaluating the right heart over the past few blogs this month. The ASE updated the chamber quantification guidelines that provided us with the correct methods to measuring size and function of the right ventricle (RV) and atrium (RA). This week, we are going to talk about the proper method to measuring the size of the right atrium! We will review both the preferred volumetric measurement methods and the linear measurements of the right atrium.
10 Tips for Correct RA Size Quantification Read More »
We recently reviewed basic right heart anatomy and outlined the ASE updated recommendations for quantifying right heart size and function. For the 2nd part of our Right Heart blog series, we are going to discuss proper measurements for size evaluation of the right ventricle (RV).
7 Tips to Implementing RV Size Quantification Read More »
As diagnostic imaging professionals, we often perform echocardiograms on patients with hypertension to monitor the thickness, strength and wall motion of the heart. Last week we launched our two-part blog on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In part one we explained the pathophysiology behind the various categories of LVH along with the echocardiographic findings. We discussed how LVM and RWT plays a role in identifying the categories of LVH. This week we will answer the question: What is LVM and RWT and how do we obtain these values?
Understanding LVH Part 2: How to Measure LV Mass and Diagnose LVH Read More »
HOW COULD I IMPROVE THIS IMAGE?
Modality: Transthoracic Echocardiography
View: Subcostal long axis IVC
ANSWER:
The image could be optimized to elongate the IVC to ensure the correct diameter is measured.
Inspiring Excellence Series Read More »
Last week, we shared our new year resolutions which including writing more and inspiring more. So I am jumping right in by writing a blog on the correct method to estimate right atrial pressures (RAP) when calculating your RVSP during an echo. The American Society of Echocardiography has outlined the correct use of the Collapsibility Index to estimate RAP yet the majority of the echocardiograms that we review on a daily basis still have an RAP of 10 entered for every echo. After speaking with sonographers, most admit it’s either a bad habit or it is just what they were taught to do.
8 Things to Know About Estimation of RAP via Echocardiography Read More »
We provide our software clients with weekly eTutoring and the next 2 weeks we are reviewing the recent echo accreditation changes to the QI program and to the random audits. We wanted to share this information with all of you. This week, we will briefly review both the current changes in effect and the new changes that will kick in January 2017.
Changes Again with Echo Accreditation Read More »
We want to make sure you start the year off right in regards to meeting the new Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Quality Improvement requirements and provide you with time saving tricks and techniques to ensure compliance. Whether your accreditation is in echocardiography, vascular, nuclear, MRI or CT we know how easy it is to fall behind on your quarterly QI requirements. We want to help you with our blog series on Accreditation Hacks. Don’t be fooled by the name, we want to teach you time hacks but never quality hacks! We believe in the process of accreditation to improve diagnostic healthcare and always focus on improving quality while saving time. This week in part one we will present a clear understanding of the new Quality Improvement changes across each modality.
2016 New Accreditation Quality Improvement (QI) Program for ALL Imaging Modalities Read More »