Our live cases are provided by patient volunteers with true indications for cardiac CT angiography. These are patients whose insurance denied the test or who are uninsured. Consequently, we provide a much needed service to the underinsured community. Our courses are offered only quarterly since it demands much time to build a sufficient number of appropriate patient volunteers. We routinely identify significant new pathology during our live case weekend. We have uncovered 2 cases of LV noncompaction, significant numbers of native coronary artery disease patients, many coronary anomalies, myocardial infarction, congenital disease such as sinus venosus and secundum atrial septal defects, repaired tetrology of Fallot, bypass graft anatomy, cardiac masses, aortic aneurysms and many ancillary noncardiac findings and artifacts.

During the 2 day live case experience trainees will rotate among 5 stations. Station 1 involves experience by the scanner itself. At this station, students will spend time with nurses and technologists observing patient preparation, scan planning and acquisition, patient instruction during the scan and scan reconstruction with ample time to ask questions. Scanning tips and reconstruction algorithms will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on solving problems as they occur at the scanner. A review of different reconstructions will be provided such as sharper filters for stents, larger field of view and contrast amount for bypass cases etc. Methods to deal with rhythm abnormalities will be provided.

At stations 2 through 5 the participant rotates among 4 different level III readers observing each individual case being read in real time. (2 readers use the TeraRecon workstation and 2 readers use the Vital Images workstation) Through repetition, you will learn systematic reading styles while incorporating the strengths of each workstation. Conversation and questions are encouraged.

Upon completion, you will be equipped with the knowledge for successful patient preparation, scan planning and acquisition and image reconstruction. In addition, you will be thoroughly introduced to our systematic approach to reading.

To see our Library of Cases from past courses, go here: Live Cases & Library

The learning environment for the live case days is comfortable and pleasant. Adequate seating, bathroom facilities and food and drink are available throughout the day. In addition, a complete breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided as well as a complimentary open bar at dinner.

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