Reclassification of echocardiography according to the appropriateness of use, function- and competence-based profiles and application

Introduction: In the last 50 years the utilization of ultrasound has greatly developed into echocardiography, generating a confused picture of the echocardiographic technique, with patients who do not receive the right echocardiogram. Objectives: The present proposal for reclassification of Echocardiography based on function, competence, applications, proper machines and purposes is intended to give a coherent and adequate definition of requirements, in order to have: One tool for a given place, One technique for a given clinical situation, One application for a given function, One modality for a given information, One exam for a given purpose and One educational pathway for a given operator. Materials and methods: According to these points, the new classification will be oriented towards an application- and competence-based Echocardiography, introducing an innovative way to look at Echocardiography that overcomes the traditional technical-based or pathology-based classification. Results: Therefore, the following function- and competence-echocardiography application and profiles have been identified: 1) Basic Cardiovascular Echo (with Standard CV Echo and Visit-extended CV Echo); 2) Advanced Cardiovascular Echo (with Standard Adult CV Echo TTE, TEE, Vasc; Stress; Threedimensional; Wall Dynamics; Contrast and Pediatric); 3) Focused Echo (in Coronary Care Unit, in Intensive Care Unit, in Interventional Cath lab, in Interventional Electrophysiology lab, in Operating room); 4) Fast Echo (in first aid, on the road). © 2012 Società Italiana di Ecografia Cardiovascolare