Harvard Clinical Approach to Vascular Ultrasound and RPVI Prep Course

Build a comprehensive foundation in the performance, interpretation, and clinical application of vascular ultrasound through an advanced educational program designed for healthcare professionals involved in vascular diagnostics and patient care. This course combines evidence-based instruction, practical case-based learning, and focused RPVI examination preparation to help participants strengthen their diagnostic skills and expand their understanding of modern vascular laboratory practice.

Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of vascular ultrasound principles across peripheral arterial, venous, cerebrovascular, and abdominal vascular systems while learning how to apply imaging findings to real-world clinical scenarios. The curriculum also explores current techniques, emerging technologies, surveillance protocols, and strategies for developing and implementing vascular laboratory programs within healthcare institutions.

Upon completion, learners will be better equipped to perform and interpret vascular laboratory studies, prepare for the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) examination, and support the development and operation of high-quality vascular laboratory services.

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Key Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn how to:

• Interpret arterial and venous vascular noninvasive studies involving peripheral, cerebrovascular, and abdominal vascular systems.
• Apply velocity criteria for grading vascular stenosis and assessing vascular interventions.
• Understand the principles of ultrasound physics and vascular imaging technology.
• Recognize high-yield concepts commonly tested on the RPVI examination.
• Evaluate dialysis access, bypass grafts, endovascular repairs, and complex vascular conditions.
• Integrate vascular ultrasound findings into clinical decision-making and patient management.
• Develop and implement a vascular laboratory program within their institution.

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Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

• Primary Care Physicians
• Vascular Surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Interventional Specialists
• Radiologists
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Registered Nurses
• Ultrasound Technologists and Sonographers
• Allied Health Professionals involved in vascular diagnostics and patient care

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Course Content Breakdown

Foundations of Vascular Ultrasound

Develop a strong understanding of the core principles that support accurate vascular imaging and interpretation.

• Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound
• Fundamentals of Ultrasound Physics
• Understanding Ultrasound Equipment and Technology
• Image Optimization and Technical Considerations

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Peripheral Arterial Ultrasound

Learn comprehensive techniques for evaluating arterial disease in both upper and lower extremities.

• Upper Extremity Arterial Studies
• Lower Extremity Arterial Studies
• Velocity Criteria and Stenosis Assessment
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Evaluation
• Clinical Applications and Diagnostic Interpretation

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Abdominal and Visceral Vascular Imaging

Explore the role of vascular ultrasound in assessing abdominal circulation and vascular pathology.

• Abdominal Vascular Ultrasound
• Renal Artery Disease Assessment
• Mesenteric Artery Disease Evaluation
• Clinical Applications of Visceral Vascular Imaging

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Cerebrovascular Ultrasound

Gain expertise in the diagnosis and monitoring of extracranial and intracranial vascular disease.

• Carotid Duplex Ultrasonography
• Subclavian Artery Evaluation
• Vertebral Artery Assessment
• Intracranial Cerebrovascular Imaging
• Transcranial Doppler Applications
• Cerebrovascular Case Studies

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RPVI Examination Preparation

Review high-yield topics and clinical concepts frequently encountered on the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation examination.

• Common RPVI Examination Topics
• Diagnostic Criteria and Interpretation Principles
• Clinical Case-Based Review
• Test Preparation Strategies

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Vascular Surveillance and Follow-Up

Understand best practices for monitoring vascular interventions and long-term patient outcomes.

• Bypass Graft Surveillance
• Endovascular Aortic Repair Surveillance
• Dialysis Access Evaluation
• Surveillance of Advanced Revascularization Procedures
• Clinical Case Presentations

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Advanced Peripheral Vascular Interventions

Explore contemporary vascular treatment approaches and ultrasound-guided assessment techniques.

• Tibio-Pedal Access Evaluation
• Deep Venous Arterialization
• Surveillance of Deep Venous Arterialization Grafts
• Pedal Acceleration Time (PAT)
• Interpretation Criteria and Clinical Applications

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Venous Ultrasound and Venous Disease

Develop expertise in diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of venous disorders.

• Venous Insufficiency Assessment
• Ultrasound in Office-Based Venous Procedures
• Venous Thrombosis and Obstruction
• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
• Venous Case Studies and Clinical Applications

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Clinical Applications and Case-Based Learning

Strengthen diagnostic confidence through practical case reviews and multidisciplinary discussions.

• Carotid Arterial Case Presentations
• Peripheral Artery Case Presentations
• Bypass Graft Case Presentations
• Venous Disease Case Presentations
• Wound Healing in Vascular Surgery
• Emerging Technologies and Clinical Research Updates
• Interactive Clinical Discussions

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Why Attend

This program provides a structured and clinically focused approach to vascular ultrasound education, combining foundational principles with advanced diagnostic applications. Through comprehensive instruction and real-world case analysis, participants will enhance their ability to perform accurate vascular assessments, improve patient care, prepare for RPVI certification, and support the successful development of vascular laboratory services within their organizations.