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Level 1 · Foundation · SSUM component 13

Focused Heart Ultrasonography

Acquire the core transthoracic views and the standardised language of focused cardiac assessment. The prerequisite for this course is the POCUS Academy online heart component and, for newcomers to ultrasound, the technical component.

Online theory + MCQ 1 day hands-on workshops 3 to 4 learners per instructor SSUM · 8 non-specialty-specific credits
Theoretical part, online

Complete the theory before you arrive

The modular curriculum on pocus.academy lets you work at your own pace and return to any topic later. Knowledge is assessed by MCQ.

Technical aspects

  • Waves & the imaging system
  • Probe selection
  • Modes & Doppler mode
  • Artefacts
  • Optimising utilisation and settings
  • Probe manipulation
  • Ultrasound guidance
  • Probe decontamination & ultrasound gel
  • POCUS diagnostic performance
  • POCUS and AI

Heart

  • Introduction
  • Parasternal long-axis view
  • Parasternal short-axis view
  • Apical 4-chamber view
  • Apical 2- and 3-chamber views
  • Subcostal 4-chamber view
  • Inferior vena cava view
  • Haemodynamic assessment & stroke-volume estimation
  • Basic valve assessment
  • Pericardiocentesis
  • Clinical cases
Core acquisitions

The views you will master

Each workshop opens with an instructor demonstration; you then handle the probe in turn, with time shared equitably across the group. Conclusions are phrased in standardised, cautious terms.

Parasternal views

  • LV systolic function & wall motion
  • LV end-diastolic diameter
  • Mitral to septum distance (EPSS)
  • Aortic diameter for cardiac output
  • Pericardial fluid

Apical views

  • LV function & wall motion
  • RV size, free-wall contractility, RV/LV ratio
  • TAPSE & MAPSE
  • Aortic VTI & cardiac output (5-chamber)
  • Pericardial fluid

Subcostal & IVC

  • RV function & free-wall thickness
  • Pericardial effusion
  • IVC diameter
  • Respiratory variation (2D & M-mode)
  • Estimation of right atrial pressure
Practical part, one day

A flipped-classroom workshop day

Roughly one hour per workshop, depending on group size and the speed of image acquisition. Snacks and lunch are included.

Morning · image acquisition
  1. Parasternal views and associated assessments
  2. Apical views and associated assessments
  3. Subcostal views and associated assessments
Afternoon · interpretation
  1. Interactive clinical cases
  2. Pathologies on high-fidelity simulators
  3. Review and test
Image acquisition on a volunteer
Guided acquisition on a volunteer
Practice on a high-fidelity simulator
Practice on a high-fidelity simulator
Interactive clinical cases on screen
Interactive clinical cases on screen
Certificate & recognition

What you take away

On completion of both the online and in-person parts, each participant receives a training certificate covering the theoretical and practical content.

Format
Blended: online theory + one hands-on day
Assessment
Online MCQ and a supervised practical test
Ratio
3 to 4 learners per instructor
Recognition
SSUM / SGUM: 8 non-specialty-specific credits

Ready to start?

Register for the online theory on pocus.academy, then book your hands-on day.

How to register for the practical course →
See the advanced course