Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Apply the recommendations for the echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricle function to clinical practice.

• Explain the role of echo in the treatment of heart failure.

• Use strain imaging to assess cardiac function in various pathological states

• Discover methodology to assess diastolic function using the ASE diastology guidelines.

• Assess patients with valvular disorders using the most recent ACC/AHA guidelines for valvular heart disease and the ASE guidelines for the assessment of native valve regurgitation, native valve stenosis, prosthetic valve function and percutaneous devices.

• Recognize different echocardiographic methods to assess Right Ventricular structure function. Cite the strengths and weakness of these techniques including complementary technologies: CT and MRI.

• Discuss the clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension, its implications for the patient and how echo can help in assessing its severity and guide management of patients with the condition.

• Evaluate how 3D echo works and express limitations and potential applications as it relates to daily practice and patient management.

• Assess the uses of echo contrast agents (imaging enhancing agents) and how to incorporate the use of the agents into a busy echo lab.

• Evaluate the role of echo in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with aortic stenosis.

• Recognize the pathology and the basics of echocardiographic assessment of patients with common congenital heart lesions.

• Review the role of echo in surgical and percutaneous treatments of aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.

• Review the role of echo in new percutaneous treatment of tricuspid regurgitation.

• Review the role of echo in guiding other percutaneous procedures such as left atrial appendage closure.

• Appreciate the critical role of echo in the cardio-oncology patient.