COURSE OBJECTIVES

​

• Understand normal and abnormal fetal cardiac anatomy and physiology

• Review the current recommendations for fetal echocardiographic imaging

• Present the techniques and pitfalls in detecting cardiac disease by ultrasound

• Provide practical guidelines for imaging optimization

• Teach a comprehensive, segmental approach in fetal cardiac echocardiographic imaging through didactics and live case demonstrations with pregnant volunteers

• Demonstrate the manifestations of the different forms of fetal cardiac anomalies

• Promote understanding of the three vessel-tracheal view and how this view is diagnostic for various subtypes of congenital heart disease

• Describe the assessment of non-cardiac structures in congenital heart disease

• Demonstrate the techniques of evaluating the fetal cardiac function and rhythm

• Recognize and understand disorders of the fetal cardiac rhythm and function, along with etiologies, associated pathology, treatment options and outcomes

• Describe the utility of newer imaging technologies including 3-D echo and MRI

• Enumerate new information on the etiology of congenital heart disease

• Determine the cardiovascular issues associated with multiple gestations 

• Discuss the approach to counselling in the setting cardiovascular abnormalities

• Understand the impact of cardiovascular abnormalities in terms of pregnancy outcomes, and follow-up from the newborn period into adulthood

• Present and discuss prenatal treatment options including emerging in utero medical therapies and interventions

• Review the hemodynamic changes of congenital heart disease at birth and how this impacts on perinatal management.

 

​