American Society of Echocardiography and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists task force guidelines for training in perioperative echocardiography

Canadian guidelines for training in adult perioperative transesophageal echocardiographyRecommendations of the Cardiovascular Section of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography

“…[2][3][4]7,8,12 In 2003, a clinical competence statement on echocardiography by the AHA and ACC in collaboration with the ASE, SCA and the Society of Pediatric Echocardiography was also reviewed. [9][10][11] The Quebec expert consensus and the 2005 Guidelines for the Provision of Echocardiography in Canada formed the basis of the Canadian training guidelines in adult perioperative TEE (Table III).…”

“…The knowledge and skills described in the 2002 ASE/ SCA guidelines for the advanced level of training were maintained in the Quebec expert consensus and are also endorsed in the Canadian guidelines on perioperative TEE 12 (Appendix 1). 7,8 However, compared to the 2002 ASE/SCA guidelines, in the Canadian training guidelines on perioperative TEE, the required knowledge and skills at a basic level of training are increased to provide the physician with a level of autonomy in the operating room 12 (Appendix 1). 7,8 The training requirements to achieve basic, advanced and a director level of expertise are outlined in Table III.…”

“…7,8 However, compared to the 2002 ASE/SCA guidelines, in the Canadian training guidelines on perioperative TEE, the required knowledge and skills at a basic level of training are increased to provide the physician with a level of autonomy in the operating room 12 (Appendix 1). 7,8 The training requirements to achieve basic, advanced and a director level of expertise are outlined in Table III. The trainee should have a sufficient knowledge base for each level of training and in addition to the required echocardiographic studies, the trainee must complete the requisite continuing medical education (CME) hours commensurate with his/her level of training.…”

“…16,17 The anesthesiologist with a basic level of training will also have the ability to use intraoperative TEE independently as a monitoring and diagnostic tool at a basic level as outlined in this document (Appendix 1). 7,8,12 Therefore, at a basic level of training the anesthesiologist can monitor and diagnose hemodynamic problems related to preload, ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, myocardial ischemia and valvular dysfunction. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Following uncomplicated valve replacement, a trainee with basic training will have the ability to recognize valvular lesions or dysfunction that may be significant and that would require consultation with a physician who has advanced training in perioperative echocardiography.…”

“…Adapted from ASE/SCA Task Force Guidelines for Training in Perioperative Echocardiography 7,8 These recommendations were endorsed by the 2003 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical competence statement. [9][10][11] 25-50 MOC: CME hours per year (hr) 5 5 > 5 ACC/AHA = American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association; TTE = transthoracic echocardiography; TEE = transesophageal echocardiography; PTE = perioperative transesophageal echocardiography; MOC: maintenance of competence; CME: continuing medical education; NS = not specified; * Complete TTE examinations that are interpreted by the trainee under the supervision of a physician who has achieved an advanced or director level of expertise.…”