Cardiac Pulse Sequences

Image Courtesy of ICT, NY

MR Onsite Training Agenda: Cardiac Pulse Sequences Level 2


Course Description: The Cardiac Pulse Sequences Level 2 onsite training program is a theoretical and practical course designed to provide instruction in the use of advanced cardiac pulse sequences. Instruction is delivered by a GE MR Applications Specialist at the customer’s facility. This training produces the best results when a core group of 4 MR technologists is dedicated to the complete session. The patient schedule should be modified as indicated in the agenda to allow time for instruction.

Target Audience: MR Technologists who operate a Signa LX,CV,NV,or TWIN MR system with Cardiac Pulse Sequences.

Length: 2 days

CE: 9 Credits

Cost: $3,600

DAY ONE

Phase Contrast MRA Pulse Sequences

Explains how the pulse sequence creates contrast and collects data and outlines clinical applications and general guidelines for selecting parameters. This module includes all types of PC sequences except fast 2D PC. 1 hour


Patient Scanning

Provides an opportunity to apply newly learned skills to clinical practice. Patient or volunteer exams should focus on phase contrast imaging to produce appropriate data sets for post processing with the Mass Flow Analysis software. This module is not eligible for continuing education credit. 1 hour


Analyzing Images with Mass CV Flow

Focuses on quantitative flow and velocity analysis on phase contrast images utilizing the MASS Flow Analysis software. 2 hours


Imaging Real-time with I-Drive

Explains how real-time imaging works, how parameters are selected, expected image characteristics, as well as appropriate clinical use during cardiac imaging. Students will utilize the FGRET pulse sequence in conjunction with the iDrive software to perform cardiac anatomical localization in “real time”. 1 hour


Patient Scanning

Provides an opportunity to apply newly learned skills to clinical practice. Patient or volunteer exams should focus on the acquisition of a cardiac functional exam utilizing the FastCine or 2D Fiesta pulse sequence, the utilization of I-Drive to prescribe cardiac scan planes, and to localize coronary arteries. This module is not eligible for continuing education credit. 3 hours


DAY TWO

Performing Coronary Imaging Utilizing the Spiral Pulse Sequence

Explains how to perform spiral imaging. Pulse sequence components, factors that affect image resolution, contrast and scan time are reviewed. Normal coronary anatomy and scan planes are also covered. 1 hour


Performing Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Myocardial Imaging

Explains the pulse sequence components and timing factors critical to this application. The imaging procedure, coronary distribution and factors that affect image resolution and contrast are reviewed. 1 hour


Performing Delayed Myocardial Enhancement Imaging

Explains the pulse sequence components and timing factors critical to this application. The imaging procedure, coronary distribution and factors that affect image resolution and contrast are reviewed. 1 hour


Performing a Cardiac Navigator Sequence

Instructs in the use of the Cardiac Navigator Sequence to image the coronary arteries during free breathing. As part of this module, students will be asked to prescribe a localizer with iDrive, prescribe the navigator sequence, place the navigator tracker and monitor the navigator pulse. 1 hour


Patient Scanning

Provides an opportunity to apply newly learned skills to clinical practice. Patient or volunteer exams should focus on spiral coronary imaging, DCEMI and Myocardial Delayed Enhancement. This module is not eligible for continuing education credit. 3 hours


Performing Cardiac Myocardial Analysis

Explains appropriate layout, display functions and valid data sets necessary to perform myocardial analysis with the MASS or ReportCARD software. 1 hour