Training & Education

Being confident, comfortable and knowledgeable on your new Biosound MyLab^® ultrasound system is our #1 priority. Your new system combined with our expert support will significantly enhance your diagnostic abilities and level of confidence. Every system is delivered with a complete in-service and training from our professional applications support. Biosounds commitment to your satisfaction goes well beyond your initial acquisition. You become part of ever growing family of satisfied users.

 

BIOSOUND ESAOTE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

Biosound Esaote is recognized as a leader in ultrasound education for physicians and technicians, offering accredited education programs that address the rapid pace of change in technology and applications.

Combining classroom training with hands-on scanning, our courses allow participants to practice newly acquired skills in simulated clinical settings under the guidance of expert instructors. Our teaching staff of registered sonographer’s and cardiovascular clinicians is joined by recognized leaders in cardiac and vascular imaging who contribute their expertise on a variety of ultrasound techniques and applications.

To date, more than 5,500 medical professionals have benefited from continuing education programs covering all aspects of cardiovascular ultrasound. Biosound Esaote welcomes the opportunity to share in your continuing medical education as well.

 

COURSE SCHEDULE
For more information regarding Biosound's educational programs and detailed descriptions of courses, you can download a PDF of the complete education schedule.

You can register for courses by filling out the registration form in the education schedule and returning it to the education department by fax 317-813-6600.

 

 

DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND AND HOW IT WORKS
A diagnostic ultrasound system provides an image of internal soft tissue by transmitting short bursts of ultrasonic energy into the body, producing echoes as the energy bursts encounter acoustic interfaces The scanner measures the intensity, timing and direction of these echoes. This information is processed and used to generate the ultrasound display.

Principal of operation Ultrasound energy, or ultrasound, refers to the high-frequency sound above the level of human hearing (greater than 20.000 Hz [cycle/sec]). For diagnostic imaging, frequencies ranging from 2 to 20 MHz are typically used. Ultrasound waves or mechanical vibrations require a tissue medium for transmission. They can be predictably aimed, focused and reflected as they exhibit normal wave properties of reflection, refraction and diffraction.

A transducer, which consists of piezoelectric elements, is placed on the skin after Acoustic coupling gel is first applied as a contact medium. The transducer converts an electric signal into ultrasonic energy, which can be transmitted into tissues. Some of the ultrasonic energy transmitted by the transducer is reflected (echo) back toward the source when it reaches a boundary between tissues of different densities. The transducer reconverts this echo into an electric signal. Depending on the density of the tissue, echoes are produced in varying degrees of intensity.

Several different types of transducers can be used; the frequency these transducers emit depends on the thickness of the piezoelectric crystal. Transducers that generate higher frequencies produce shorter wave lengths and narrower beams thus improving image resolution. Higher frequency sound energy is more readily absorbed by tissue and the available depth of penetration is decreased. Higher frequencies can be used to obtain improved image resolution where deep structure evaluation is not necessary.

The ultrasound system contains an operator adjustable compensation system (TGC) to increase amplification from more distant echoes. The scanner measures the intensity of echoes, the time between them and their direction. This information is then processed and used to generate the ultrasound display.

 

VENOUS DISEASE and TREATMENTS

What are varicose veins?
The Arteries route blood from the heart under pressure to the extremities. Under normal conditions, the venous system returns the blood to the heart under a low pressure system by utilizing gravity from the upper extremities and a “Calf Pump” mechanism from the lower extremities. To increase efficiency, the vein contains a series of one-way valves to always keep the blood moving in one direction. Occasionally these valves become dysfunctional, allowing the blood to flow in the reverse direction. As the pressure increases in the venous system from the continued reversal of flow, the veins can become enlarged and discolored. These enlarged veins are commonly referred to as “spider veins” or varicose veins. Spider veins are usually small and can be red, blue or purple in color and most commonly branch out across the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger distended veins that are located somewhat deeper than spider veins but still separate from the deep vein system.
Frequent pain in the legs can be associated with abnormal leg veins and varicose veins should be considered. Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, aching, itching, burning, cramping, and restlessness can often be made worse by prolonged standing or sitting for long periods of time. Severe varicose veins that are left untreated can lead to compromised circulation to the skin and lend to eczema, inflammation or even ulcerations of the lower leg.

 

 

 

 

Varicose Veins – Causes and Risk Factors
Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins and women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins than men. It is estimated that up to 50% of American women may be affected. A familial history combined with hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone can adversely affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increased hormone levels and blood volume which in turn can cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus pressing on the pelvic veins can cause increased pressure in the lower extremity venous system. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to persist and worsen. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing or sitting occupations, obesity and leg injury.

Vein disorders are not always visible so thorough diagnostic techniques are important in determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a physical examination, non-invasive ultrasound is used quite often to determine or confirm blood flow and direction.

Statistical Occurrence of Venous Insufficiency:

 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common method of treatment and can be used for both varicose and spider veins. With minimal reported discomfort, a tiny needle is inserted into the vein to inject small amounts of sclerosing solution. The solution causes the injected vein to sclerose or close up. Typically these closed veins will be reabsorbed by the body in time and disappear. Sclerotherapy relieves symptoms due to varicose and spider veins in most patients. The procedure is performed in the office, in sessions that last approximately 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the amount and severity of venous disease present.

Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous Laser Treatment is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein and guided to the treatment location under ultrasound. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. The procedure can be done in-office under local anesthesia in about 1-2 hours. Following the procedure a bandage or compression hose is placed on the treated leg and the patient is encouraged to walk as well as to return to normal activities. Endovenous Laser Treatment is FDA-approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a method of surgical removal of surface varicose veins. This is usually done in the office using local anesthesia. Tiny segmental incisions are made in the skin along the diseased vein path (stitches are generally not necessary) Following the treatment, a compression bandage and/or compression stockings are worn. Walking or biking is commonly recommended after treatment. This reduces pressure and increases the flow in the veins to reduce the risk of forming a blood clot...

Radiofrequency Occlusion
Radiofrequency Occlusion is a treatment alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. A small catheter is inserted, usually through a needle stick in the skin, into the damaged vein and guided under ultrasound to the treatment site. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat. As the vein warms, it collapses and seals shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or in-office setting. It may be done under local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the catheter is removed and a bandage or compression stocking is placed on the treated leg. Radiofrequency Occlusion is FDA approved for the treatment of the greater saphenous vein.

 

Veinlite^® Transillumination
Imaging of Superficial Veins

Simply the BEST vein imaging system anywhere for Schlerotherapy, Venous Access and assisting with Intravenous Therapy!

Shadow-Free Uniformity with Side-Transillumination
A new method of transillumination, called side-transillumination* is used in the Veinlite^® for better visualization of veins. This method is able to uniformly transilluminate a small region of the skin so that much better imaging of veins is achieved without shadows. Uniform transillumination means that smaller veins can be seen with great clarity. Side-transillumination method also allows for deeper penetration of light into tissue for vein imaging up to 6 mm in depth depending on the size of the vein.

Transillumination and Skin Translucency
The side-transillumination* method shines light into the skin from outside the field of view so that it is pointed towards the center at a depth of approximately 2 cm. this concentration of light creates a bright virtual light source underneath the skin that moves with the Veinlite. Uniform transillumination of the skin is achieved anywhere on the body. The depth of visualization of veins is between 3 and 6 mm depending on the color of the light used. The shorter wavelength orange light travels up to 3 mm of depth while the deeper red light can travel up to 6 mm deep. Transillumination light frequencies are greatly absorbed by deoxygenated hemoglobin in venous blood and show up as dark areas in the skin.

Transillumination Methods
Transillumination has been used for many years for imaging subsurface veins and some structures. The classical method of transillumination involves shining a light through a part of the body and observing. A bright light is directed into the skin and the area of interest is examined by viewing the translucent region around the light. This mode of transillumination is limited to objects that are a couple of cm thick since light is absorbed in tissue. The Venoscope device marketed for visualization of veins uses two light sources to better image the veins. While this device is better than a single light source, shadow areas are created between the light sources due to non-uniform illumination of the skin. The Veinlite, with its side-transillumination method, creates the most uniform transillumination of skin anywhere on the body.