Course Description
DMSVTD 620 | Introduction to Fetal Echocardiography Total: 20 Hours | E-Lecture: 6 Hours | E-Lab: 6 Hours | On Site Lab: 8 Hours This course introduces the principles of fetal echocardiography, focusing on fetal cardiac anatomy, basic function, and the sonographic appearance of the developing heart. Students learn to recognize standard fetal cardiac views, including chamber structure and outflow tracts, and develop an understanding of normal cardiac development and common congenital variations through lecture and case-based learning. Online lab activities emphasize image analysis, pattern recognition, and Doppler concepts as they relate to fetal circulation. On-site lab sessions utilize obstetric simulation phantoms to support hands-on practice in fetal cardiac imaging concepts, including image orientation and anatomical identification. In addition, students continue to develop cardiac imaging skills through adult echocardiography practice, reinforcing standard views and basic functional assessment with the use of AI-assisted image analysis. This course provides a foundational introduction to fetal cardiac imaging while strengthening core echocardiographic skills applicable to clinical practice.