Our modular courses in perioperative echocardiography are aimed at anyone interested in the technique and covers all examination modalities during cardiac surgery and catheter-assisted interventions. Courses in transesophageal echocardiography have been offered at the German Heart Center Berlin since 1999 and are continuously developed through participant feedback.

The courses are currently divided into PFE 1 & 2 (basic and advanced course in transthoracic echocardiography) and PFE 3 & 4 (basic and advanced course in transesophageal echocardiography). In all courses we use a range of simulator programs with detailed representation of the heart morphology and function, in conjunction with examination of patients. Simulation facilitates rapid uptake and learning of practical skills and the clinical findings are developed using evaluation software.

The importance, complexity and specialization of perioperative echocardiography has grown significantly in recent years. In terms of content, the modules cover the entire spectrum, including 3D echocardiography, quantitative echocardiography, speckle tracking and echocardiography for catheter-based interventions.

The importance of transthoracic echocardiography in interventional procedures under local anesthesia, for patients in the PACU and in the Intensive Care Unit has also increased in importance. The practical exercises for emergency echocardiography as well as for extended diagnostics are initially simulation-based and then on patient volunteers.

All modules correspond to the guidelines of the DGAI and are certified by DGAI and the Berlin Medical Association.

Details of the DGAI echo course