This intensive 4-hour course equips healthcare professionals with no prior ultrasound experience to perform ultrasound-guided vascular access. Using a flipped-classroom model, learners complete the theory in advance via self-paced modules on the Ultrasound Academy Learning Portal. The in-person session is dedicated to extensive hands-on scanning to build practical competence and confidence.
Guided by
experienced physicians
Small groups with
ample scanning time
Delivered over a
two day intensive course
Clinical Applications
US Basics
Introduction of the fundamental principles of ultrasound and familiarisation with ultrasound machines. After this session candidates will be able to:
- Understand how an image is generated from sound and why certain tissues look different shades of grey on ultrasound
- Recognise the common ultrasound artefacts to assist in diagnosis
- Select the correct transducer/probe and settings for the required exam
- Implement the common conventions when scanning
- Correctly handle a probe and use the common functions and features of ultrasound machines
- Use tips to optimise their scans
The theoretical component is followed by a hands-on session during which candidates familiarise themselves with the scanning process, the various functions of the machine and learn to recognise some key anatomical structures to build a foundation for the rest of the course.
Ultrasound Guided Vascular Access
Use of ultrasound to guide vascular access (serves as a basis for all ultrasound guided interventions). After this session the candidates will be able to:
- Appreciate the evidence base for US guided central and peripheral access
- Recognise and differentiate veins and arteries
- Recognise other adjacent structures including muscles, tendons and nerves
- Use an approach for scanning the upper limb veins for peripheral access
- Select the most appropriate vein for cannulation to ensure success, using specific criteria
- Use both in-plane and out-of-plane techniques for cannulation
- Confirm successful cannulation using ultrasound
The didactic session is followed by 2 practical sessions during which the candidates will:
1. Familiarise themselves with the sono anatomy of the key sites and apply criteria for choosing the right vein
2. Perform both in-plane and out-of-plane cannulation techniques on ultrasound phantom blocks.
Course Schedule
No upcoming courses are scheduled at the moment.
If you are interested in future courses, please fill in the Interest Form, and we will contact you when a course becomes available.
