Key References
EAE laboratory standards and accreditation
Nihoyannopoulos P, Fox K, Fraser A et al.
Comment:
Laboratory standards have been set by the European Association of Echocardiography of the European Society of Cardiology, in order to homogenize the practice of echocardiography in Europe and therefore ultimately, to protect patients. These standards have been developed for transthoracic, transesophageal and stress Echocardiography into two levels; the basic level, set to provide basic laboratory standards for an optimal clinical service and the advanced level, which is set to establish a fewer number of advanced laboratories in each country, where by in addition to basic standards, they may be providing extensive teaching and research.
Reference: Eur J Echocardiogr. 2007;8:80-87
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Appropriateness Criteria for Stress Echocardiography
ACCF/ASE/ACEP/AHA/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2008
Douglas PM, Khandheria BK, Stainback RF, Weissman NJ, Peterson ED, Hendel RC, Stainback RF, Blaivas M, Des Prez RD, Gillam LD, Golash T, Hiratzka LT, Kussmaul WG, Labovitz AJ, Lindenfeld JA, Masoudi FA, Mayo PH, Porembka D, Spertus JA, Wann LS, Wiegers SE, Brindis RG, Hendel RC, Patel MR, Peterson ED, Wolk MJ, Allen JM.
Comment:
A report from the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) together with key specialty and subspecialty societies about appropriateness of stress echocardiography. The review assessed the risks and benefits of stress echocardiography for several indications or clinical scenarios and scored them on a scale of 1 to 9 (based upon methodology developed by the ACCF to assess imaging appropriateness).
Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; ahead of pub
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Appropriateness criteria for transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography
ACCF/ASE/ACEP/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2007
Douglas PS, Khandheria B, Stainback RF et al.
Comment:
A report from the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) together with key specialty and subspecialty societies about appropriateness of TTE/TEE echocardiography. The indications for this review were drawn from common applications or anticipated uses as well as current clinical practice guidelines. Use of TTE/TEE for initial evaluation of structure and function was viewed favorably, while routine repeat testing and general screening uses in certain clinical scenario were viewed less favourably.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007;20:787-805
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American Society of Echocardiography minimum standards for the cardiac sonographer: a position paper
Bierig SM, Ehler D, Knoll ML et al.
Comment:
The three primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac sonographer (i.e. credentialing and formal education, technical competence, and continuing education) are discussed in this paper.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2006;19:471-474
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The future of cardiovascular imaging and non-invasive diagnosis: a joint statement from the European Association of Echocardiography, the Working Groups on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Computers in Cardiology, and Nuclear Cardiology, of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, and the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology
Fraser AG, Buser PT, Bax JJ, Dassen WR, Nihoyannopoulos P, Schwitter J, Knuuti JM, Höher M, Bengel F, Szatmári A.
Comment:
Advances in medical imaging now make it possible to investigate any patient with cardiovascular disease using multiple methods which vary widely in their technical requirements, benefits, limitations, and costs. The appropriate use of alternative tests requires their integration into joint clinical diagnostic services where experts in all methods collaborate. This statement summarises the principles that should guide developments in cardiovascular diagnostic services.
Reference: Eur J Echocardiogr. 2006 Aug;7(4):268-73.
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Three-dimensional echocardiography: the benefits of the additional dimension
Lang RM, Mor-Avi V, Sugeng L, Nieman PS, Sahn DJ.
Comment:
A comprehensive review of the published reports that have provided the scientific basis for the clinical use of 3D echocardiography. Potential future applications of the technique are also discussed.
Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Nov 21;48(10):2053-69.
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The role of the nurse in clinical echocardiography
Gilman G, Nelson JM, Murphy AT, Kidd GM, Stussy VL, Klarich KW.
Comment:
This article reviews the involvement of nurses in the practice of clinical echocardiography. Specifically, nurses monitor patients during transesophageal and stress examinations and establish intravenous access for sonicated saline, microsphere contrast, and medication administration.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2005;18:773-777.
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The Working Group on Cardiac Imaging of the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology
Mertens L, Helbing W, Sieverding L, Daniels O.
Comment:
Guidelines from the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology: standards for training in paediatric echocardiography.
Reference: Cardiol Young. 2005;15:441-442
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Digital Echocardiography Committee of the American Society of Echocardiography
Thomas JD, Adams DB, Devries S, Ehler D, Greenberg N, Garcia M, Ginzton L, Gorcsan J, Katz AS, Keller A, Khandheria B, Powers KB, Roszel C, Rubenson DS. Soble J.
Comment:
Guidelines and recommendations for digital echocardiography.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2005;18:287-297
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Implementing contrast echocardiography in the laboratory
Coon PD, Bednarz J, Pearlman AS.
Comment:
Proposal of a practical plan to implement contrast echocardiography which includes a proper understanding of indications, logistical matters, technical and performance standards, and reimbursement issues. Focus is also on the team approach between sonographers, nurses, and physicians to implement contrast echo in a lab.
Reference: Cardiol Clin. 2004;22:199-210.
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ACC/AHA clinical competence statement on echocardiography: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine Task Force on clinical competence
Quiñones MA, Douglas PS, Foster E, Gorcsan J 3rd, Lewis JF, Pearlman AS, Rychik J, Salcedo EE, Seward JB, Stevenson JG, Thys DM, Weitz HH, Zoghbi WA, Creager MA, Winters WL Jr, Elnicki M, Hirshfeld JW Jr, Lorell BH, Rodgers GP, Tracy CM, Weitz HH.
American Society of Echocardiography; Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists; Society of Pediatric Echocardiography
Comment:
A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Americ an College of physicians, American Society of Internal Medicine Task Force on Clini cal Competence.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2003;16:379-402
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Recommendations for a standardized report for adult transthoracic echocardiography: a report from the American Society of Echocardiography's nomenclature and standards committee and task force for a standardized echocardiography report
Gardin JM, Adams DB, Douglas PS, Feigenbaum H, Forst DH, Fraser AG, Grayburn PA, Katz AS, Keller AM, Kerber RE, Khandheria BK, Klein AL, Lang RM, Pierard LA, Quinones MA, Schnittger I; American Society of Echocardiography.
Comment:
Quantitative and descriptive terms used to report echocardiographic studies are listed in this document from ASE.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2002;15:275-290.
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Hand-carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device: recommendations regarding new technology. A report from the echocardiography task force on new technology of the nomenclature and standards committee of the American Society of Echocardiography
Seward JB, Douglas PS, Erbel R et al.
Comment:
While an HCU device certainly can be used as an extension of the physical examination, determining whether or not an echocardiogram is a separate diagnostic study or an extension of the physical examination based on the size of the instrument used to perform the study, may be inappropriate and may have unintended consequences. Some HCU devices have the technical capability to acquire, record, and measure all of the twodimensional images and Doppler data that constitute a complete echocardiogram, similar to the data that could be acquired with a larger echocardiographic instrument. If the appropriate images and Doppler data are recorded by a qualified sonographer or physician, interpreted by a physician with level 2 (or higher) training in echocardiography, interpreted and reported in an appropriate manner, and archived properly, and if the study was performed for an approved clinical indication, the study should be considered an independent diagnostic test rather than an extension of the patient’s physical examination.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2002;15:369-373.
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Recommendations for continuous quality improvement in cardiovascular ultrasound
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Kisslo J, Byrd III BF, Geiser EA, et al.
Reference: J.Am.Soc.Echocardiogr. 8[Suppl], S1-S28. 1995