Neonatal Echocardiography Symposium: Towards Better Management of Cardiovascular Wellbeing

The use of echocardiography (heart ultrasound) in the field of neonatology (the care of critically ill premature and term infants) has gained huge momentum over the last 5 to 10 years. There is an increased recognition of the benefits of this modality in improving how we manage critically ill infants by better identifying the underlying condition, devising an appropriate and targeted treatment plan, and monitoring response to treatment.

The introduction of neonatal echocardiography in the neonatal intensive care unit has resulted in improved outcome for this vulnerable population.

This symposium is designed to share new knowledge and expertise developed primarily by our research group in the Rotunda Hospital and the RCSI, along with our International collaborators, on the use of echocardiography to better manage critically unwell premature and term infants.

The course is divided into didactic and practical sessions. Candidates will be exposed to the latest and up-to-date information on the use of neonatal echocardiography provided by local and international leaders in the field. Management of specific and relevant conditions using this modality will be specifically discussed. The candidates will also engage in practical sessions designed to provide hands-on exposure to echocardiography using the latest and state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and echocardiography simulator technology.

This course is for neonatologists, paediatricians, paediatric and neonatal trainees, paediatric cardiology trainees and ultra-sonographers looking to build their neonatal echocardiography skills. It has been designed to be maximally applicable to clinical practice.

SPEAKERS

Prof Afif EL-Khuffash (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)

Dr Orla Franklin (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)

Prof Amish Jain (University of Toronto)

Dr Phil Levy (Harvard University)

Dr Neidin Bussmann (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)

Dr Aisling Smith (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)

TIMETABLE

Day 1 – 4th of February

08.00 Registration

08.45 Welcome and Aims of the Day

09.00 Physics of Ultrasound and Artefact

09.40 Routine Ultrasound Views

10.10 Coffee

10.30 Common Structural Lesions

11.15 Relevance of Echo in specific conditions

• Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins
• Infants with Down Syndrome
• Infants with HIE

12.00 Lunch

13.00 - 17.20: Basic Echo Skills

• Echocardiography Simulator
• Subcostal View
• Apical view
• Parasternal View
• High Parasternal View

15.00 Coffee break

16.20 - Resume Basic Echo Skills

17:20 Day Close

Day 2 – 5th of February

09:00 Advanced functional imaging

09:40 Assessment of pulmonary hypertension

10.00 Coffee

10.50 Assessment of low blood flow states

11.30 Assessment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

12.30 Lunch

13.30 - 17.00: Functional Assessment

• Shortening Fraction and Ejection Fraction
• Tissue Doppler Velocities
• RV TAPSE and FAC
• Parasternal View
• Assessment of output and perfusion

15.00 Coffee break

15.30 Resume Functional Assessment

17:00 Day Close