Fetal Echocardiography

Course Duration : 6 months
Lecture Hours : More than 20 hours
Image Submission modules
Case Discussions
Online Seminars and Assessments

INR 53,100 (inclusive of taxes)

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The course on "Fetal Echocardiography" is a knowledge-based training that covers subjects such as normal and abnormal fetal heart, the impact of labor interventions and risk management. Faculty assessment, invited talks and real-life case examples that give medical practitioners the chance to learn from different scenarios are incorporated in this fetal ultrasound course. A few ultrasound techniques ranging from M-mode systems to Color Doppler that can be utilized to assess different fetal heart oddities are shown in this echocardiography training. These ultrasound procedures can contribute significantly in the comprehension of ordinary and challenging fetal heart and can likewise broaden the advantages of the pre-birth cardiovascular screening. We can get perspectives of the fetal heart that are not by and large open with the utilization of standard 2D examination with the presentation of the alleged "virtual planes" to fetal cardiovascular examination.This high caliber, intensive learning program is innovative and sets the standard of training for Radiologists, Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

This course can be attended by:

Radiologists
Sonologists
Obstetricians/ Gynecologists
Fetal Medicine Specialists

Module 1 - Introduction to Normal Heart
Brief Description:
This module is an introduction to fetal cardiac scan, its importance as part of the mid-trimester anomaly scan, its benefits and significance in identifying anomalies at this early stage. It also covers the objectives and ideal approach to a cardiac scan with a detailed study and systematic analysis of the 4 chamber view.
In this module you will learn –
• The aims and objectives, assessment plan and intricacies of a fetal cardiac scan.
• The structure and features of a normal heart with an overview of abnormalities affecting its function.
• The step-by-step systematic approach and analysis of a fetal cardiac scan; the Doppler and color flow study in fetal heart.

Module 2 – Abnormalities of the Four Chambers; HLHS and Ebstein’s Anomaly
Brief Description: This module covers the significance of fetal cardiac evaluation, its challenges and markers and how varied methods of imaging assist and allow better detection of 4 chamber abnormalities. It also includes the different characteristics of the 4 chambers and the anomalies associated with these, and case images explaining the complexities, detection and possible diagnosis for HLHS and Ebstein’s anomaly.
In this module you will learn –
• The possible scenarios of disorder and detection associated with aspects of 4 chamber view.
• The impact of various forms of imaging techniques on detection of fetal heart disorders.• Detailed case analysis of HLHS and Ebstein’s anomaly – complexities, detection, diagnosis.

Module 3 – Abnormalities of the Outflow Tracts; DORV and TGA
Brief Description: This module covers detection, management and possible treatment of some of the most common congenital cardiac malformations of a fetal heart like the Atrial septal defect (ASD), Ventricular septal defect (VSD), Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) and other more complex ones like the Tetralogy of fallot (ToF), Transposition of the great vessels (TGV), Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) and tricuspid atresia.
In this module you will learn –
• Detection and treatment of common congenital cardiac malformations like ASD and VSD.
• The differential diagnosis for VSD includes the presence of more complex cardiac malformations such as ToF, TGV, DORV and tricuspid atresia.
• Fetuses with congenital heart diseases (CHD) upon scan reveal increased NT.

Module 4 – Rhabdomyoma & Tuberous Sclerosis
Brief Description: This module covers detection, categorization, management and possible diagnosis of Cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR), a common fetal cardiac tumor and its association with Tuberous sclerosis (TS) and other cardiac structural defects and extra-cardiac anomalies.
In this module you will learn –
• Differential diagnosis of CR includes other primary cardiac tumors of the fetus such as fibroma, myxoma, teratoma, and hemangioma.
• CRs are benign tumors positioned within critical areas in the heart while TS is characterized by benign tumors in multiple organs of the embryonic ectoderm.
• CRs frequently occur in association with tuberous sclerosis.

Module 5 – Abnormalities of Venous Drainage
Brief Description: This module covers detection, management and diagnosis of Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), a rare congenital vascular anomaly and its association with other cardiac abnormalities; Anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR), a rare congenital cardiac defect and Heterotaxy syndrome, and their categorizations.
In this module you will learn –
• PLSVC is most commonly observed as an isolated finding, but can be associated with other cardiac abnormalities such as heterotaxy and other associated abnormalities.
• Doppler flow studies and color mapping are mandatory for identification and classification of anomalous venous return anomalies.• Malformations found in association with Heterotaxy syndrome occur in multiple organ systems.

Module 6 – Abnormalities of Fetal Situs
Brief Description: This module covers the importance of determining the fetal lie and position to see if the fetal situs is normal or abnormal and the anomalies associated with the positioning, checking the position of the abdomen and thorax and related structures for left or right sidedness as the outcome is dependent on the associated cardiac anomaly.
In this module you will learn –
• The importance of fetal situs – lie and position while performing a fetal scan.
• The characterization and morphology of the atria.
• The positioning of the fetal heart, the associated extra-cardiac abnormalities and their prognosis.

Module 7 – Doppler Evaluation of the heart
Brief Description: This module covers the importance of color doppler for routine cardiac screening as a value add while performing fetal echocardiography, its prerequisites and planes and detailed analysis of 4-chamber view, 3 vessel view and high BMI in color. In this module you will learn –
• Importance of color doppler in diagnosis of CHD
• The presets for fetal cardiac Doppler – velocity, filter, color persistence and gain
• Pulsed wave Doppler is more ideal for advanced fetal echo scanning

Module 8 – Arrhythmias
Brief Description: This module covers detection and identification of arrhythmias in a fetus, both common and rare conditions, their classification, detection and management. It includes modalities for assessment of fetal rhythm, their benefits and limitations and analysis of possible scenarios of a heart block depending on the degree. In this module you will learn –
• The various modes for assessment of fetal rhythm, their usage, benefits and limitations.
• Classification of arrhythmias based on the irregularity/abnormality of fetal heart rate.
• Analysis and management of possible heart blocks in a fetus.

Module 9 – ISUOG guidelines
Brief Description: This module covers some of the important points from the ISUOG guidelines set up for the examination of fetal heart like the best time to do the scan, factors affecting detection of CHDs, modes of assessment and methodologies used, etc. In 2013, the ISUOG updated the guidelines on sonographic screening or examination of the fetal heart. In this module you will learn –
• The aim of ISUOG guidelines towards optimizing the detection of cardiac anomalies.
• As per the new ISUOG recommendations, the four-chamber view and the outflow tract views are not part of routine screening.
• Analysis of different views while performing cardiac scans, technical factors involved and methodologies used.

A "Certificate of Completion" will be provided to the delegate on succcessfully completing the course.

1. Who is offering this training?

The lectures in this training have been delivered by Team BFMC and Prof. Lindsey Allan.

2. What do we get from this training?

Delegates will learn the detailed sonographic evaluation of the fetal heart which is performed by a specialist in prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD).
The first level is the basic 4-chamber view and the second level is the extended basic scan which includes examination of the arterial outflow tracts.
Delegates can benefit from lectures by our well renowned faculty in fetal cardiology, Prof. Lindsey Allan
Delegates can learn about the guidelines laid down by the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) published practice for the screening of CHD during the second trimester of pregnancy and outlined two levels for the screening of low risk fetuses for heart anomalies.
Each delegate can submit 80+ fetal scan images online at regular intervals for objective review and feedback.

3. How do we benefit from this training?

Improve your understanding of a fetal heart and its abnormalities
Learn the art of fetal cardiac scan – a specialized skill
Enhance your clinical skills for fetal heart evaluation and detection of cardiac anomalies

4. Is this completely an online course? Do I need to attend any classes at the institute?

Yes it is an online program and you can study from anywhere. All you need is a laptop/desktop/tablet with good internet connection. The program is available online for a duration of 6 months, from the date of enrolling. You could study as much as you can and as many times as you wish in the 6 months duration.

5. How much time do I need to dedicate every day to the course?

30 - 40 mins of your time per day would be sufficient to complete the course. Since it is an online program you can open the site whenever you wish to study.

6. Do I get a certificate at the end of this training? If yes, will I have to download it or it will be sent to me as hard copy?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training after evaluation and successful completion. Yes, you can download the certificate on completion of the training and submission of feedback.

7. Will I get any certification from FMF India?

This training is approved by FMF India but is being offered by Fetal and Gynae Imaging (FGi). Upon course completion, you will be issued a course completion certificate by FGi.

8. What is the importance of this certificate? Is this like an additional degree? Can I apply for credit points from this certificate at the medical council?

This training is approved by FMF India and is being delivered by well-renowned clinical experts in the field of fetal medicine. The training course will help you enhance your clinical skills for fetal heart evaluation and detection of cardiac anomalies.Presently, there are no credit points accredited to any university / medical body for this course. But we plan to put this in place in the near future.

9. How long is the duration?

The duration is 6 months.

10. How many images do I have to submit? Who will evaluate these?

You need to submit 80 images (20 for each of these – 4 chamber view, LVOT, RVOT and 3VT). Evaluation is done by FGi faculty.

11. What is the passing criteria?

You need to score minimum 80% to pass/clear the training.

12. Would you be providing soft copy of study materials / books / journals for this training?

No, since this is an online program it can be studied multiple times. You can either make a note of key points for your reference during the lecture or use the option to takes notes on the site itself. There are several references given along with the lectures for better understanding. The course is well designed to address the growing need to understand and diagnose fetal cardiac anomalies. The training also includes invited talks from Prof. Lindsey Allan, live case discussions and Image submissions.

13. What happens when I complete the training within the duration?

Once you clear image evaluation scoring 80% (passing criteria) and more in the training, you will have passed the training. After that you can download the training completion certificate from your account.

14. Will I get access to reading material even after completing the training?

No, once you complete the training and download the certificate you will not be able to access the training and reading material. However, if you complete the training early i.e., before 6 months, you have an option of waiting for the duration to get over before downloading the certificate during which you will continue to have access to the training content.

15. Is there any observership for this program?

It is optional with 1 week duration.

16. Will I be more confident and better prepared in fetal cardiac imaging after successfully completing the course?

We have trained 150 doctors in the last 3 years on fetal programs and have received only positive feedback all the way about the course. You could read the testimonials on the website or check with any of your friends or talk to our Alumni batch regarding feedback.

17. Are there any discounts for bulk registrations?

Yes, there is discount for bulk registrations. 5% for 5 enrolments, 10% for 10, 15% for 15, and 20% for 20 enrolments

18. What comes next for me after this training?

You can take up 3D/4D Ultrasound by Dr Ashok Khurana as the next step to fetal cardiac.

To participate in self-study courses, students need the following

Computer with either Windows 7 (recommended), Windows Vista, Windows XP or Mac OS
High-speed Internet connection
Audio headset with microphone
The following software installed:

Microsoft Internet Explorer™ version 7 or higher, Firefox™ version 3.0 or higher, or Safari™ 4 or higher

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To participate in self-study courses, students need the following

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