Role of Perioperative Echocardiography Leadership in a Tertiary University Hospital

Echocardiography has been shown to improve the perioperative outcomes of surgical and critically ill patients. Several modalities of echocardiography (transthoracic, transesophageal, epicardial and epiaortic) are being utilized clinically for the hemodynamic management of surgical patients. They can be collectively described as perioperative echocardiography (PEC). Because of such a wider scope of practice in perioperative echocardiography, there is a need for leadership to maintain equipment, good clinical practice, education, research, quality, documentation, billing and reimbursement. American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) published guidelines for performance, reporting, education and quality improvement in PEC. The major role of echocardiography leadership is to ensure PEC team follows the guidelines published by ASE/SCA in their practice and utilize the potential of the various modalities to the benefit and safety of their patients. This article explores the key roles of the director for perioperative echocardiography service at a tertiary university hospital. How to cite this article Subramaniam K, Subramaniam B. Role of Perioperative Echocardiography Leadership in a Tertiary University Hospital. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2015;3(1):4-16.