Durham, NC, August 8, 2020 – The World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study is a cross-sectional study designed to obtain universal global reference ranges for both 2D and 3D echocardiographic (2DE, 3DE) data to identify geographical differences in echocardiographic measurements. Launched in 2016, the WASE study prospectively enrolled healthy individuals free from cardiac, lung, and kidney disease from 19 centers in 15 countries.

A new research study, using the data collected in the WASE study, examined the 2DE images and 3DE full-volume datasets obtained in a total of 1026 adults (351 non-Asian and 675 Asian), analyzed offline in two Core Labs. First author on the research, Laurie Soulat-Dufour, said of the findings, “Currently there is a paucity of data on 2D and 3D right atrial dimensions in the literature. Our results suggest that normal reference values for 2D and 3D end-systolic right atrial volumes are not universal and that population specific normal values should be established for different geographic groups.” Read more here.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its 31st Annual Scientific Sessions as a Virtual Experience online August 8-10, 2020. Over 350 posters featuring cutting-edge research on the advances in cardiovascular ultrasound will be presented. A special group of investigators were selected as the ASE Foundation’s Top 20. These early career abstract presenters were selected by the Scientific Sessions Program Committee Abstract Chairs based on the scientific merit of their research projects and were awarded complimentary registration to the ASE 2020 Virtual Experience from the Foundation.

Michael Main, MD, FASE, from Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO, and ASE 2020 Abstract Chair said, “The abstracts selected for presentation at our Scientific Sessions represent the very best cardiovascular imaging research in the United States—and around the world. The breadth and depth of these presentations is truly remarkable, and includes novel applications of advanced technologies such as three-dimensional imaging, ultrasound enhancing agents, and artificial intelligence in both pediatric and adult populations.” Read more here.

Two research studies being presented at the ASE 2020 Virtual Experience, August 8-10, 2020, highlight the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software to provide real-time guidance to users with no prior training in ultrasound acquisition.  Read more here.

From point of care ultrasound that has been a key technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to robust technology that is enhancing efficiency and clinical care, over 20 companies and organizations will display their latest products and services at the world’s premier meeting for cardiovascular ultrasound practitioners, the ASE 2020 Virtual Experience. This virtual event, which promises a wealth of cutting edge education, research, and the latest vendor technology, is taking place August 8-10, 2020. Read more here.

ASE is a strong proponent for innovation in the field of ultrasound and has been actively engaged in fostering artificial intelligence (AI) to assist guidance of optimal image acquisition for cardiovascular ultrasound. We believe this type of innovation could be an ally to help meet the demands of a growing number of people who are in need of cardiovascular care as obesity and diabetes levels continue to rise around the world. Computer assisted guidance of optimal image acquisition can support sonographers in obtaining high-quality image acquisition following the guidelines and standards for the optimal practice of echocardiography. The Society believes vigorous scientific protocols are needed when creating these AI algorithms as the end products need to take into account many factors including gender, ethnicity, age, etc. that research has shown can dramatically change the testing outcomes.

We applaud the vision of newer industry innovators, such as Ultromics and Caption Health, as well as legacy ultrasound companies including Canon Medical Systems, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Healthcare, Philips, and Siemens Healthineers, who are dedicated to the continued development and adoption of high-quality echocardiography to better support patient-centered care. ASE engages with industry through multiple avenues, including technology summits, think tanks, and our Industry Roundtable program, to ensure that the future of cardiovascular ultrasound is driven by clinical standards of excellence. ASE will continue to set the standards for image analysis, including the quantitative parameters required, expected reliability of measurements, and how these measures are integrated to provide clinical insight.

Last week, ASE welcomed 31 new distinguished Fellows of the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE) designation recipients! These members have exemplified excellence through education, research, leadership, and volunteerism. They are ambassadors for ASE, and recognized experts in their field. A full list of FASE members can be found on SeeMyHeart.org. If you are interested in applying for FASE, or would like more information, please visit ASEcho.org/FASE. Join us in congratulating the newest FASE recipients:

Wilbur Jeremiah Asheld, DO, FASE
Faisal D. Arain, MBBS, MD, FASE
Sujatha P. Bhandary, MD, FASE
Michael L. Boisen, MD, FASE
Laura T. Boone, RDCS, RVT, RDMS, RT(R), FASE
Christopher Brockway, MS, RDCS, FASE
Sindu Chandran, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE
Jacqueline Suk Danik, MD, DrPH, FASE
Garrett J. De Francis, BS, RDCS, FASE
Mary Frances Duncan, RDCS, FASE
Elliott Elias, MD, MPH, FASE
Marie Ficociello, MA, RDCS, FASE
Suzette Blondelle Graham-Hill, MD, FACP, FASE
Sarah Ann Chambers Gurson, MD, FASE
Sonia A. Henry, MD, FACC, FASE
Arunima Misra, MD, FASE
Shaine A. Morris, MD, MPH, FASE
Akhil Narang, MD, FASE
Nirvik Pal, MD, MBBS, FASE
Atif Nazier Qasim, MD, MSCE, FASE
Sahadev T. Reddy, MD, FACC, FASE
Albert R. Robinson III, MD, FASE
Karen Scholz, BAPPSci, Grad Dip(Cardiac Ultrasound), FASE
Jeffrey Mohl Scott, DO, FACEP, EDIC, FASE
Rhonda Smith-Hudson, MS, RDCS, FASE
Stephanie N. Stewart, MS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
Devorah M. Taylor, RDCS, RVT, FASE
Justin W Ulrich, MBA, ACS, RCS, RDCS, RVT, RCIS, CCT, FASE
Mani Vindhya, MD, FASA, FASE
John Joseph Wilbur Asheld III, DO, FASE
Michael Young, RDCS, RVT, AAS, FASE

Judy W. Hung, MD, FASE, takes the helm as president of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) today. She has served on the Board of Directors as Vice President and President-Elect prior to ascending to her one-year presidency.

Dr. Hung will share her vision for the future of ASE on Saturday, August 8, during the opening session of the ASE 2020 Scientific Sessions Virtual Experience. When asked about her upcoming presidency, she said “I see tremendous opportunity for ASE to advance its mission to be the leader of quality, education, innovation, research, and advocacy in the field of cardiovascular ultrasound. ASE is currently well-positioned to adapt to the changing and challenging healthcare environment and to lead innovation in echocardiography through its international reputation, organizational infrastructure, and commitment to quality and research. I have a deep admiration and belief in the goals and mission of the ASE and the dedication of my ASE member colleagues.” Read more here.

ASE Headquarters will be closed in observance of U.S. Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Monday, July 6. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, July 7.

Join Alina Nicoara, MD, FASE, and Nikolaos Skubas, MD, FASE, for a LIVE webinar, Thursday, July 9, 5:00 – 6:00 PM EDT as they review the recently published ASE guideline, Guidelines for the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision-Making in the Operating Room. They will discuss a systematic approach on how to apply the existing guidelines in the intraoperative environment to answer questions specific to open, minimally invasive, or hybrid surgical procedures.

1. To register, login to your ASE member portal.
2. Select the ASE Learning Hub from the top red menu.
3. Register for the webinar here.

Registration is FREE for ASE members and $25 for nonmembers. You can claim 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ within 24 hours of watching the webinar. The webinar will also be posted for on-demand viewing and claiming CME. Click here to find out when the webinar is taking place in your time zone.

Specific questions regarding webinar registration can be sent to Jenn Goss at JGoss@ASEcho.org.

New educational resources have been developed by ASE experts to help you enhance your practice. Add these latest products to your guideline collection with the most up-to-date Guidelines for Performance, Interpretation, and Application of Stress Echocardiography in Ischemic Heart Disease.

• Guideline Reference Spiral with the updated Stress Echocardiography Guideline
• Stress Echocardiography Guideline Filp Chart and
  Binder Insert

Visit the ASE Learning Hub to see all of ASE’s educational resources, and don’t forget to login to your member portal to take advantage of your member discount.