The CMR Hands-on Course is a 2½ day course of interleaved sessions of MRI theory and practical hands-on cardiovascular applications.
The theory sessions provide basic understanding of the fundamental aspects of MRI, and the specific problems related to its use in the evaluation of cardiac disease. During the practical hands-on sessions, course participants will actively participate in CMR examinations in volunteers and patients, guided by an experienced team of MR physicians and technicians. A variety of cardiovascular topics will be addressed, such as: ventricular function, myocardial viability, valvular disease and aortic disease. These will be evaluated using different MRI techniques including breath-hold cine imaging, late gadolinium enhanced myocardial imaging, contrast enhanced MR angiography and flow quantification.
During the ‘hands-on’ sessions the number of active participants is restricted to six persons. The practical applications are performed on a 1.5 Tesla whole-body system (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens, Germany ).
An optional 2-day extension of the basic course is offered that covers more advanced topics and consists of additional theory sessions, case reviewing and participation during clinical CMR-sessions. A separate syllabus is available for the extended course.
Target audience
The course is primarily intended for cardiologists, radiologists and residents with limited or no practical experience in CMR. A basic understanding of cardiac physiology and familiarity with the more common cardiac diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and valvular heart disease, is strongly recommended.
Educational objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: