The Waveform Challenge!

ULTRASOUND SOLUTIONS CORP. is thrilled to welcome back sonography legend Marsha M. Neumyer, BS, RVT, FSDMS, FSVU, FAIUM for a discussion of Doppler and plethysmographic waveforms.

Course Description:

Are you an expert in waveform analysis? To find out, join in the fun by taking the “Waveform Challenge”! If you perform or interpret noninvasive vascular studies, you are very much aware that accurate noninvasive diagnosis of vascular disease and determination of disease location and severity are primarily dependent upon analysis and characterization of Doppler and/or plethysmographic waveforms.  For many decades, vascular laboratory technical and medical staff have used the common descriptors “triphasic”, “biphasic”, and “monophasic” to characterize Doppler waveform morphology  and “normal”, “mild”, “moderate”, and “severe” to subjectively describe plethysmographic waveforms. You may be surprised to know that recent research has shown not only a lack of consensus in the application of these terms, but also, inconsistent consideration of waveform characteristics that demonstrate phasicity, vascular resistance, and flow direction. This lack of standardization has often led to misdiagnosis and inappropriate testing. This presentation will briefly review diagnostic features of Doppler and plethysmographic waveforms and the consensus document that addresses recommended nomenclature for Spectral Doppler waveforms published by the Society for Vascular Medicine and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound in 2020. (Approved for 1.5 SDMS CME credits, provided one is present for the entire event)

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of this educational activity, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the differences between Continuous Wave Doppler, Pulsed Wave (Spectral) Doppler, and plethysmographic waveforms, as well as relate noninvasive vascular test procedures where each might be used.
• List the new nomenclature used to characterize cerebrovascular, peripheral, and abdominal Doppler waveforms.
• Define the significance of the systolic upstroke, systolic deceleration, and diastolic components of Doppler and plethysmographic waveforms as they pertain to vascular resistance.
• Enjoy a fun “Waveform Challenge” to assess your skill at correctly identifying/describing vascular waveform morphology and applying accurate diagnostic significance.

About Our Speaker:

Marsha M. Neumyer, BS, RVT, FSDMS, FSVU, FAIUM, served as Assistant Professor of Surgery and Founding Technical Director of the Vascular Laboratory Section of the Penn State Vascular Institute at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. She is currently the CEO and International Director of Vascular Diagnostic Education Services and Vascular Resource Associates, which offer global education and consulting services in medical ultrasound. Marsha is recognized internationally as an educator and for her contributions to the field of Vascular Technology.

Marsha is the recipient of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s Joan Baker Pioneer Award, the Society for Vascular Ultrasound’s Professional Achievement Award, and was named “Sonographer of the Year” by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) and has represented both the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography on the Board of Directors of the ICAVL. Her other accomplishments include being a Fellow and Past President of SVU, as well as a Fellow and Past Member of the Board of Governors of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. In the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Marsha is also recognized as a Fellow and has served as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors and Executive Council. Currently, Ms. Neumyer is on the editorial review boards of multiple major journals in the field of medical ultrasound. She has authored more than 80 juried articles, 45 book chapters, a vascular registry examination simulation, and has co-edited and co-authored multiple references on vascular diagnostic techniques. 

This activity is an approved SDMS CME activity – approved for 1.5 SDMS CME credits.

Please note that partial credit will not be issued.

The CME participant roster will be reported by Ultrasound Solutions Corp. to the

SDMS CME Tracker System.

Important update from the SDMS:

SDMS no longer allows its CME providers to issue Partial Credit for attendance. If you join late or leave early, the SDMS will no longer permit us to award partial pro-rated credit.

Therefore, from now on, in order to receive CME credit, you must be in attendance for the ENTIRE event via your own unique Zoom link that Zoom emailed to you when you registered. Then, and only then, will USC be able to award you any credit. So, please be prompt and attentive to the time schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience, but again, this is a new SDMS policy we must abide by. Thank you for understanding.