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MRS547 Vascular Ultrasound (8)

Abstract

This subject is offered concurrently with supervised clinical practice. Students will develop a theoretical understanding of a range of vascular examinations and demonstrate competency in sonographic examinations of the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and deep vein thrombosis studies of the lower limbs. The emphasis is on using the optimal technical approach and patient management to enable successful demonstration of normal anatomy and diagnosis of pathology. Students will use a critical analytical approach to identify and understand the clinical questions and to demonstrate appropriate scanning techniques and acquisition of sonographic information.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
OnlineWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS547
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

1. Students are expected to have background knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
2. Students are expected to have a sound understanding of the concepts covered in PHY541 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation.
3. Students enrolled in MRS547 must be employed in a general ultrasound department under appropriate supervision for the duration of the subject.

Enrolment restrictions

Available only to students enrolling in the PostgradDipMedUltrasound or the MMedUltrasound courses.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to undertake the following diagnostic vascular examinations under supervision in a safe and ethical manner to a minimum level of advanced beginner, providing due care for the patient: carotid artery ultrasound; abdominal aorta; deep venous thrombosis assessment of the lower limbs.
  • be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of, but not necessarily be able to perform without supervision, the following procedures: deep venous thrombosis assessment of the upper limbs; abdominal Doppler applications, including portal venous flow, SMA and AAA and renal arteries; arm and leg arterial ultrasound examination; ankle brachial indices; chronic venous insufficiency study of the lower limb.
  • be able to present sonographic images demonstrating a logical and methodical approach to scanning and communicate findings clearly and accurately.
  • be able to recognise a range of normal and abnormal image appearances of the areas listed in the syllabus and explain the contributing role and nature of pathologic and developmental processes.
  • be able to explain the significance of clinical tests and complementary modalities relevant to topics within the syllabus.
  • be able to critically evaluate their own professional practice.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Doppler Ultrasound and Haemodynamics
  • Carotid artery ultrasound
  • Deep venous thrombosis assessment of the upper and lower limbs
  • Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limb
  • Arm and leg arterial ultrasound
  • Non-invasive physiological test - Ankle brachial indices

Work Place Learning

This subject contains a Compulsory Workplace Learning component of 18 days duration. Students are required to be working in a medical ultrasound department as a trainee sonographer as a condition of enrolment in the medical ultrasound courses. Students may work in public or private practice and are employees of the clinical institution on a paid or supernumerary basis.
  Students work under the supervision of an Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) Accredited Medical Sonographer and are eligible to join the ASAR registry as an Accredited Student Sonographer. As the student’s skills progress from novice to advanced beginner the level of supervision will typically progress from direct supervision to a more general supervision in keeping with the employer's requirements, thus the students become immersed in fully authentic roles of practice.
  As students perform a range of ultrasound examinations in the workplace they are able to collect data from selected examinations to write up for assignment submissions (case studies and case reports). In addition, they undertake a process of critical reflection upon their practice and are encouraged to work closely with supervisors and colleagues to inform and improve their professional practice.

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.