The annual ASE Industry Roundtable Partner Think Tank and Retreat provides the opportunity for ASE volunteer leaders and representatives from a diverse number of corporate partners (pharmaceutical, device, technology, etc.) to meet to solve common problems and share insights from echocardiography
research and initiatives. One result of these meetings was the creation of an Ultrasound Enhancing Agent (UEA) Task Force. The Task Force, chaired by ASE past president Jonathan R. Lindner, MD, FASE, recently completed the publication of Ultrasound Enhancing Agents: Recommended Laboratory Practices from ASE. Contrast echocardiography is now considered, by ASE and imaging societies worldwide, to be an indispensable part of the practice of echocardiography. This document was created for administrators and clinicians as a how-to manual aimed at the indications and protocols related to UEA studies. It contains a synopsis of information for facilitating laboratory, clinic, or hospital policy decisions regarding the practice of contrast echocardiography. Information is also provided on contrast storage, administration, consent policies, billing, and safety.
Special thanks to Dr. Lindner and the other members of the UEA Task Force including: James Hodovan, MS, RDCS (AE, PE), CVT; Sharon Mulvagh, MD, FASE, FRCP(C), FACC; Margaret M. Park, BS, ACS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, FASE; Thomas R. Porter, MD, FASE; G. Monet Strachan, ACS, RDCS, FASE; and Kevin S. Wei, MD, FASE.
ASE President Judy Hung, MD, FASE, shares more about how the synergistic relationship between ASE and our corporate partners is creating a brighter future for echocardiography and patient care in her March President’s Message published in JASE today.