2nd Day of the 2011 SVU Annual Conference - Preview

Last week on the blog we previewed the pre-conference sessions happening on Wednesday June 15th, as well as the 1st day sessions happening on Thursday June 16th. Today let's get a quick overview of Friday June 17th, 2011, which is officially the 2nd day of the conference.



2nd Day of the 2011 SVU Annual Conference

6:00am-5:30pm
SVU Registration

Registration opens at 6am for all the early birds out there.

7:00am-8:15am
SVU Technical Showcase
Industry/Company Highlights

The SVU Technical Showcase is a breakfast session where participants can get hands-on demonstrations of some of the latest developments by vendors such as GE Healthcare, Medstreaming, Biomedix, Philips Healthcare, CareFusion, Hokanson, Esoate North America, and Surgidex.

I'm looking forward to this because I'm sort of a geek when it comes to technology.

8:30am-10:00am
Clinical Oral Sessions
Lots of great information being presented at the Friday morning session. Here are the highlights of the morning's general session:

1. Comparison of Duplex Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Surveillance Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) in Determining Proximal Endograft Location by Babatunde H. Almaroof, MD

2. Relationship Between Diameter And Pelvic Vein Reflux by Fanilda S. Barros, MD.

3. Standing Versus Supine Evaluation for Superficial Venous Reflux: Dispositional or Core Belief? by George A. Carty, MD RVT RPVI RPhS

4. Is Pre-Operative Vein Mapping Beneficial For Creation Of Dialysis Arteriovenous Fistulas? by Renee M Croft, RVT

5. Clinical Significance of Standing vs. Reversed Trendelenburg Position for the Diagnosis of Lower Extremity Venous Reflux in the Greater Saphenous Vein by R. Patrick DeMuth, ThM RVT.

6. Duplex-Guided Diagnosis And Surgical Repair Of A Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery Aneurysm In A Major League Baseball Pitcher by Katherine Y. Kane MD.

7. Prospective Investigation Of Variability In Duplex Ultrasound Assessment Of Venous Reflux: Phase 1 Of The Invest by Fedor Lurie, MD PhD RVT.

8. Internship Program for New Graduates by Lois A. Scheffler, RVT RDMS RDCS.

Perhaps the most interesting presentation here for me is the "standing vs reversed trendelenburg" argument for reflux exams. I know during my clinical rotations as a student each lab I was at had their own way of doing things. Some were standing only and some used reversed trendelenburg. It'll be exciting to see what's in store for this debate.



10:30am-11:20am
Clinical Case Study Presentations

1. Internal Carotid Occlusion in a Newborn by Donna R. Blackburn,
MS RN RVT FSVU.

2. Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Associated With Arterio-Venous Fistula by Judith W. Cook, MD.

3. Fusion Imaging: Combining Computer Tomogram Angiography And Transcranial Duplex Imaging Following Extra-Cranial/Intra- Cranial Bypass by Zsolt Garami, MD.

4. Lower Extremity Bypass Graft Entrapment by Marisa L. Marzec BS RVT.

5. Ophthalmic Artery Steal Syndrome: An Unusual Cause of Amaurosis Fugax by Francis J. Porreca MD RPVI.

6. Ultrasound-Guided Transcatheter Ethanol Injection and Sclerotherapy of an Arteriovenous Malformation of the Foot by Makenzie Seckora, RVT.

One of the phrases I heard the most during my clinical internships is that in vascular ultrasound, "anything is possible". What makes this field so exciting (and sometimes sad) is that there's always something new to learn and unique cases that go beyond what is available in textbooks. This is what makes the SVU Annual Conference great in that we can see and share unique cases that will broaden our "oh I've seen that before" portfolio. Come check out these unique cases and I guarantee you will leave a wiser vascular clinician. Also major props to Donna Blackburn, one of the faculty members at Rush University who is presenting a case about an ICA occlusion in a newborn.



11:20am-12:20pm
SVU Town Hall Meeting
So how is the Society of Vascular doing? Pretty awesome! But don't take my word for it. Come to the SVU Town Hall Meeting and check out what's happening.

1. State of the Society by SVU President Michel Comeaux, RN BSN RVT RDMS FSVU, and SVU Executive Director Steve Haracznak, BA.

2. Hot Topic by Michael Schwebler, MBA RVT FSVU

3. Announcement of 2011 SVU Fellows by Tish Poe, BA RVT RDCS FSVU, Chair, Fellows Subcommittee.

12:20pm-1:30pm
Lunch
Again, lunch is my favorite part of the day. Again people can have a boxed lunch at the Exhibit Hall (for a fee) or people can get lunch on their own. Friday's Lunch with the Experts session is about Lab Management!

Lunch with the Experts:
Lab Management: Innovative Ideas by Ajay Zachariah, BS RVT RDMS RDCS, Kathy Ziegler, RVT, and Michael Schwebler, MBA RVT FSVU

1:30pm-3:00pm
SVS and SVU Joint Session: Use of Ultrasound in Venous Diagnosis and Intervention

1. The Role of Ultrasound during Venous Ablation by Paula Heggerick, BS RDMS RVT RPhS
2. Duplex Evalution following Great Saphenous Vein Ablation: Should Duplex be Routinely Performed or is Selective Imaging Acceptable by David Rigberg, MD
3. Imaging of Perforators, Accessory Veins and Small Saphenous Vein: Technical Tips and Duplex Predictors of Benefit from Intervention by William B. Schroedter, BA RVT FSVU
4. Use of Ultrasound during IVC Filter Placement by Marc A. Passman, MD
5. DVT: Role of Venous Duplex in Determining Length of Anticoagulation by Paul Armstrong, DO
6. Q&A Session – All Faculty

This is a joint session by the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Society of Vascular Ultrasound. Along with carotid exams, venous exams are among the most numerous exams we do. Check out this important session on some interesting developments in venous ultrasound exams.

4:00pm-4:15pm
Award Presentations
SVU Service Awards by Megan D. Hodge, RN BS RVT, Chair, Awards Subcommittee.

4:15pm-5:30pm
SVU/SVS Joint Government Relations Update
Important, important, important!!! There is a lot of change happening in regards to patient care and government reform. Legislation changes affect everyone in the health care field (not just vascular clinicians). Come to this session to see the latest developments in health care reform.

1. Health Care Reform Status by David Parlato, BA RVT FSVU
2. CARE Bill Status by Anne Jones, RN BSN RVT RDMS FSVU
3. Status of State Licensure for Medical Imaging by Michael P. Lilly, MD
4. 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule by Robert Zwolak, MD PhD FACS
5. SGR Formula Fix Update by Sean P. Roddy, MD

4:10pm-5:30pm
Concurrent International Session Contrast Agents
The use of contrast agents is another interesting development in vascular ultrasound. Check out this interesting session! It's the last session of the day, so please show some love and check it out!

Cheers,
Manny :)

2011 SVU Technical Showcase on Friday, June 17th

Over the years technology has helped to shape the profession of vascular ultrasound as we know it today. From the discovery of piezoelectricity by Pierre Curie, the invention of the stethoscope by René Laennec, the technique of blood pressure measurement discovered by Nikolai Korotkoff, to the invention of an ultrasound device to detect submarines by Paul Langevin, there has been a long history of pioneers who have paved the way for the technology and techniques we may take for granted today.


Uhhh...does it come with a gel warmer?

Especially for new graduates like myself, it's hard to imagine that there was a time when a vascular clinician did not rely on storing images on hard drives, or "cine mode", or color imaging, or even imaging itself.



Today the legacy of developing technology for the use of vascular ultrasound rests on the shoulders of some amazing companies. These companies include familiar names such as GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Parks, Hokanson, Toshiba, Unetixs, and Esaote. Other names that may not develop ultrasound technology directly, but provide vital services, management of patient data, ICAVL accreditation, research of new imaging techniques, and clinical care solutions include BioMedix, CareFusion, Surgidex, Medstreaming, DatachecK, HPSO, BNAC, and Navix Diagnostix. There's other great companies that provide educational and ergonomic products (super important!) such as Pegasus Lectures, Vascular-Web.com, and Sound Ergonomics. And then there's ARDMS and CCI, whom new vascular ultrasound graduates tend to fear.

We're really happy to have these companies and organizations as sponsors for the 2011 SVU Annual Conference. Eight of these organizations will be at the conference including: GE Healthcare, Medstreaming, Biomedix, Philips Healthcare, CareFusion, Hokanson, Esoate North America, and Surgidex.



Therefore, it's highly recommended that all visitors this year come to the 2011 SVU Technical Showcase on Friday June 17th, 2011 from 7:00am-8:15am. There really isn't any other time or place where you'll get so many different companies to check out and hands-on demonstrations with the latest technology and services.

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Vascular clinicians and the companies that develop technology and solutions for them have always had a close-knit relationship. You may have spoken to someone from a company over the phone, or emailed them when a problem occurred, or perhaps met with a former colleague-turned-applications specialist. But in any case, there is no better way to create a relationship and have good old fashioned "face-to-face" contact with these companies than at the 2011 SVU Annual Conference.

The vascular ultrasound world is a rather small community. Vascular clinicians and the companies that develop technology and solutions for us are really "in it together" when it comes to providing the best care for all our patients. So come out, have some breakfast with us, and show some love at the 2011 SVU Technical Showcase on Friday June 17th, 2011 from 7:00am-8:15am.

Cheers,
Manny :)

The Weatherman's Report for Chicago

Hello vascular world!

Today I'm going to talk about Chicago's interesting weather. First I have to say that I'm from California and that I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Chicago is in an area of the midwest where it experiences all four seasons in full force. Chicago gets it all: crazy winters, humid summers, rainy springs, etc. Chicago also experiences "the lake effect" since it is located next to Lake Michigan. It simply means that it's cooler near the water (great in the summer, bad in the winter).

To further describe Chicago weather, let me talk about the vocabulary I've learned since moving from California. Here's new vocabulary I've learned:

In Chicago they say "pop". In California we say soda.
In Chicago they say "gym shoes". In California we say sneakers.
In Chicago they say "bookbag". In California we say backpacks.
In Chicago they say, "It's nice out!". In California we NEVER say, "It's nice out!" WHY? Because it's ALWAYS nice out. Hahahahahaha.

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The weather for 2011 so far has been very interesting. On February 2nd, 2011 Chicago experienced its third worst snowstorm in history when 20.2" of snow fell onto the city. Spring also went on vacation this year and never came back. Last week the temperature went from 96 F on Tuesday to 52 F on Thursday. What is going on here? Is Chicago boycotting the sun? Sometimes I feel like I'm going to develop vitamin D deficiency. :)

So during the 2011 SVU Annual Conference, the weatherman (or woman) says the weather will be:



When I used to work at Disney (a long time ago), I always encouraged our guests to visit Disneyland when it rained. I told them that because the "look" of the park was dramatic and beautiful in its own way...and it didn't mean it was any less fun. Chicago is the same way. Even in the strangest weather, the people of Chicago thrive and still live life to the fullest.

So when visiting the 2011 SVU Annual Conference this year, think about the activities you will be doing. Some tourists like to bring small umbrellas, but you may need them only for Thursday 6/16 and Sunday 6/19 (both days have a 50% chance of rain). So in conclusion, the weather will probably be a mix of warm weather, random sprinkles of rain, and the sun will drop by once in awhile to say hi. So even though there shouldn't be heavy rain, there may be drizzle and mist which will be not unlike an unruly child with a spray bottle.

But...that's just what the weatherman says.

-Manny :)

1st Day of the 2011 SVU Annual Conference - Preview

The SVU Annual Conference is really packed with good stuff this year and it all starts on Thursday June 16th.

Please note that even though the conference officially starts on Thursday June 16th, there are pre-conference sessions (that require registration) happening on Wednesday June 15th focusing on RPVI exam preparation, ICAVL accreditation, and hemodialysis scanning.

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The 1st Day of the SVU Annual Conference - Thursday 6/16/11
On behalf of the city of Chicago, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all the visitors coming this year. A lot of hard work has been put into this year's conference and it's going to be a blast. As for myself the conference is going to be exciting because: 1) it's going to be my first conference visit 2) there's lots of great information 3) I love meeting new people in the profession.

Here's the breakdown of the 1st day:

6:00am-5:30pm
SVU Registration
For all the early birds out there, registration begins as early as 6:00am. Major kudos to all the west coast visitors getting up this early. :)

7:00am-8:15am
Tutorials
There will be some great tutorials happening from 7:00am-8:15am. Each tutorial has its own separate registration and $10 fee. Continental breakfast will be available at each tutorial. Here are the highlights:

Tutorial #1: 
How to Prepare an Oral Presentation presented by Rob Daigle, BA RVT FSVU.
Communication is an important, but sometimes overlooked skill in all professions. When it comes to vascular presentations, it's important that the information conveyed is useful, relevant, and easily understood. If you've read any of Mr. Daigle's books, you'd know the information in there is just like that. So come check out this tutorial.

Tutorial #2: 
Data Management by Peter M. Richard, BS RVT, MaryBeth Laureto, BS RVT, Laurie Lozanski, BS RVT, and Gail P. Size, BS RVT RVS RCVT FSVU.

How data is managed in a lab is another important function. Come check out this tutorial by some of the top experts in the field.

Tutorial #3:
Taste of RPVI: How to Prepare to Take the RPVI Exam by John Gocke, MD, MPH RVT RPVI, Martin Fogle, MD FACS RPVI, and Frank Miele, MSEE.
If you miss the earlier RPVI pre-conference session (happening on Wednesday), here's another chance to get some exposure to the RPVI exam.

Tutorial #4:
Arterial Testing Algorithms by Marsha Neumyer, BS RVT FSVU.

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SVU Opening Grand Session

8:30am-8:45am
Welcome and Opening Announcements
Paula M. Walsh, MM RVT RDMS RDCS, Annual Conference Program Committee Chair

8:45am-9:00am
Welcome / Meet the Candidates
Debbie Pirt, Chair, Nominations Subcommittee
(SVU Voting Booth open at all times at SVU Registration Desk)



9:00am-10:15am
Invited Speaker Session: Carotid Plaque Characterization: Cutting Edge
1. Overview of IMT and Carotid Plaque Characterization by George Meier, MD
2. Techniques for Carotid IMT by Jean Alessi-Chinetti, BA RVT RDMS
3. Interpretation of IMT by Joseph Polak, MD
4. IV Contrast, Plaque Characterization by Steven Feinstein, MD
5. Plaque Characterization Using MR by Alan Lumsden, MD
6. Panel Discussion by All faculty

Some labs are regularly measuring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and are using it to help them predict the cardiovascular events of a patient. These labs are in the forefront of trying to find the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and the presence and severity of atherosclerosis. In fact in one of my clinical internship sites, IMT experts were flown in to teach one of our sonographers how to properly measure a patient's IMT. So why not come to this awesome session to see the latest in IMT research by top vascular clinicians.

IMT studies are still one of those areas of vascular ultrasound that need further studies and patient data. So any further knowledge into this fascinating research is awesome.

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10:45am-12:30pm
D.E. Strandness, MD, Scientific Session

1. Assessment of Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Using Portable and Conventional Ultrasound Machines: Comparison Study by Mohammed Alsaadi

2. Understanding The Burden For Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound Scanning For Aneurysm Care In A Publicly-Funded Health System: An Analysis Of Census Data by Elisa Greco MD M.Ed

3. Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) Research Study Results: A Vascular Technologist Evaluation of Criteria And Scanning Protocol by Karen Marr, RVT RDMS

4. Pixel Characterization for Development Of Ultrasound-Based Virtual Histology Of Deep Venous Thrombosis by Fabio H Menezes, MD

5. Ultrasound Student Assessment USA by Frank Miele, MSEE

6. Three Dimensional Reconstruction of the Vessel Lumen as an Adjunct to the Cerebrovascular Duplex Evaluation by Francis J. Porreca, MD RPVI

7. Should Carotid Duplex Velocity Thresholds Be Modified For Patients Undergoing Computerized Tomographic (CT) Angiography? by Robert Scissons, BS RVT FSVU

8. The Use of a Mini-Practice Audit Model to Guide Performance-Improvement Continuing Education (PI-CE) in Ultrasound by Elizabeth Wooster M.Ed

Wow...what a great lineup of presenters and an awesome selection of topics. That's what I love about this "young" profession...the learning just never stops. Every day there are labs and vascular clinicians out there doing some amazing stuff. Show some love and attend this awesome session.

As for myself, I'm really excited about the comparison study on ICA stenosis using portable machines. Hmmm...I wonder if an iPad could do a duplex exam someday. Hmmm...

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12:30pm-1:45pm
Lunch
Lunch is my favorite part of the day. There are different lunch options for people at McCormick Place. There is boxed lunch at the Exhibit Hall (for a fee) or people can get lunch on their own. Another great option is Lunch with the Experts where you can multitask by eating and learning at the same time:

Lunch with the Experts:
Strategic Approach to the Abnormal Vascular Examination with S. Wayne Smith, MD, FACP FSVM RVT

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2:00pm-3:30pm
Invited Speaker Session - American College of Phlebology: Ilio-Caval, Pelvic Vein Congestion

1. Introduction: by John Mauriello, MD – ACP President
2. Variations of Saphenous Reflux by Joe Zygmunt, RVT RPhS
3. Duplex Examination of Pelvic Point Leaks by Barbara Poule Shulze, RVT RPhS
4. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Treatment Issues by Mark Meissner, MD
5. Duplex for Saphenous Ablation Techniques by Jeannie White, RVT RPhS
6. Nerve Imaging and Saphenous Ablation Issues (Popliteal Entrapment) by John Mauriello, MD
7. Duplex Examination of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency by Diana Neuhardt, RVT RPhS
8. Q&A Session – All Faculty

What a great lineup of topics for those interested in venous disease. I remember the first time I read copy of Phlebology (which is the the official medical journal of the American College of Phlebology), it made me think about how vast the world of venous disease is in itself.

Come check out some really great presentations on venous disease and treatment issues by some of the top experts in the field.

3:30pm–3:35pm
D.E. Strandness, MD, Scientific Award Presentation

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3:35pm-5:00pm
Current Events and Concepts in Arterial Disease: What Every Technologist Needs to Know by P.A.D. Coalition

1. Nomenclature and Overview of Arterial Devices by Bart Muhs, MD
2. Arterial Mapping and Its Relevance to the Management of Arterial Disease by Marsha Neumyer, BS RVT FSVU FSDMS FAIUM
3. Non-Atherosclerotic Disease Overview and Its Impact on Vascular Studies by Alan Hirsch, MD
4. Professional and Patient Resources: The P.A.D. Coalition by Alan Hirsch, MD
5. Panel Discussion

The Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) Coalition is an alliance of more than 1 million health care providers and 500,000 patient advocates tasked with improving the lives of those with peripheral arterial disease. This alliance is supported by the federal government, professional and public organizations, and industry.

This will be the last, but not least set of presentations for the day. I behoove everyone to show some love and see the latest developments in the fight against P.A.D.

5:30pm-6:30pm
Combined VAM Opening Night Reception in the Exhibit Hall

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And that...is going to be the 1st day of the 2011 SVU Annual Conference. Didn't I say it was going to be packed with good stuff this year?

-Manny

ONLY 1 WEEK LEFT!!!!

Now that Manny, Amina, and I have discussed all the great things to do in Chicago, is everyone ready for the Annual Conference to begin? Have everything packed and ready to go (don't forget your sunscreen it's 97 degrees today in Chicago)?! Hope so!!

Only 1 week left before the Annual Conference gets underway. What's that you say? You thought the conference begins on June 16? Well, it does but if your in Chicago early then check out these wonderful Pre-Conference Sessions set to begin on June 15 at McCormick Place (Lakeside).

Here's a breakdown for Wednesday's Pre-Conference Sessions.
Start your day off right. Enjoy a wonderful continental breakfast to give you that energy till lunch. Remember to drink plenty of coffee (that's the KEY)!!!!

Breakfast will be at 7:00 a.m.!!!!



YUM!!

Also, don't forget to register!!

Online registration has now ended.

On-site registration will take place between 7:00am and 5:30pm

For those who plan on taking the RPVI, get ready with this great exam practice and preparation workshop!!!





The RPVI workshop will be between 8:00am and 5:00pm with breaks and lunch in between.

Thinking about having your lab accredited? Then you must attend this FREE (registration required) ICAVL accreditation workshop!!!




"REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR ANGLE AT 60 DEGREES OR LESS AND PARALLEL TO THE WALL"
-EFS

ICAVL accreditation workshop will be between 1:00pm and 4:00pm

Last but not least, check out the Hemodialysis-Pre and Post-op sessions.
Learn about anatomy and pre-operative scanning, various scanning techniques, flow volume measurements, physiologic changes after AVF creation, and much much more....





The Hemodialysis-Pre and Post-op Session will be between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

See you next Wednesday!!!!

Mannan

Did Someone Say They Have a Sweet Tooth?

Sorry for the lack of updates recently folks. It was finals week last week at Rush University and thankfully this Saturday the class of 2011 is graduating. Yay!

So today we have a guest blogger and fellow Rush University senior Amina Ahmed who will talk about her favorite places for sweets in Chicago.

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Did Someone Say They Have a Sweet Tooth? by Amina Ahmed
Today I have dedicated my focus to a topic that is near and dear to my heart… sweets. By definition it is something that is pleasing to the eye, ear, or taste buds. The “Windy City” has many establishments to entice a multitude of taste buds.



Garrett Popcorn Shop has been an iconic Chicago-based, family-owned and operated company since 1949. All of their hot popped corn is privately grown. They have decorated tins of Chicago sports teams and the beautiful Chicago skyline to take home as souveniers.



Another major Chicago-based delicacy is Frango Mints. Frango Mints are well known for their superior mint chocolate and they can be found at Chicago Macy’s stores (formerly known as Marshall Fields).



If you were looking to be surrounded by nothing but beautfiul displays of desserts and dessert flavored drinks then The Lobby at the Pennisula Hotel is your spot. The Lobby offers amazing desserts twice per day: during Afternoon Tea Time (in the afternoon) and The Chocolate Bar in the evening.



Afternoon Tea Time serves aromatic teas, lovely tea sandwiches, and cute little desserts.



On the other hand, The Chocolate Bar offers a BUFFET of chocolate-based delicacies. The Lobby also features a beautfiul view of the Magnificent Mile.



Other tasty alternatives just around the corner of the Mag Mile are the Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter and Sprinkles.



Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter offers many different types of croissants. Some of their unique croissants include pistacchios and almonds.



Sprinkles serves gourmet cupcakes and they are located on the same block. Originating from California, Sprinkles was the first company to turn cupcakes into an upscale experience.



They have a wonderful assortment of cupcakes to suit every person.



If you are looking for a low key stroll down the famous Taylor Street in Chicago, italian ice with fresh fruit maybe just the simple treat your looking for.



Italian ice is essentially a frozen dessert made with fruits, juices, or purees. It's perfect for the summer!

So fulfill your cravings!! Enjoy!!!!

-Amina

Chicago's McCormick Place

View facing south.

Happy Memorial Day folks!

Just a brief post about McCormick Place, which is where the 2011 SVU Conference will be at. Built in 1958, McCormick Place is the nation's largest convention center with a total of 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

McCormick Place consists of several buildings, so I just wanted to clarify exactly where the conference will be.


View facing north.

The conference will be at Lakeside Center. Lakeside Center is easy to identify in-person because it's next to Lake Michigan and it's the only building at McCormick Place that is painted black.



The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is the most convenient accommodation for the conference because of its proximity and the fact that it's connected to the Lakeside Center via a skybridge.

Make your hotel reservations at:
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/VascularUltrasound



Here's a map to really hit the point.

Thanks folks and have a happy Memorial Day.
-Manny :)