Wednesday, 28 October 2026
New educational resources: Cardiac obstructive LVOT
The ASA’s new cardiac obstructive left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) education series brings together bite-size learning and resources to support cardiac sonographers in everyday practice.
Accurate assessment of obstructive LVOT gradients can have a significant impact on patient care.
This series includes four short educational videos, a practical webinar and a downloadable clinical poster, developed to help you to:
- Accurately assess LVOT gradients and avoid common pitfalls.
- Perform goal-directed Valsalva and provide effective patient instruction.
- Recognise when adequate provocation has been achieved.
- Identify physiological and environmental factors that influence gradients.
- Apply key reporting considerations to support clinical decision-making.
- Optimise 2D imaging and Doppler alignment.
The material was supported by an independent educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd (BMS).
Clinical Bite: LVOT vs MR Doppler signals
Approx. 10 minutes | 0.2 CPD credits
Learn how to differentiate between the LVOT Doppler signal in an obstruction and the mitral regurgitation (MR) signal.
Presented by Merryn Gould, Cardiac Rhythm Clinical Educator, Box Hill Hospital.
Clinical Bite: Optimising and measuring LVOT
Approx. 10 minutes | 0.2 CPD credits
Discover how to optimise the LVOT Doppler signal, then accurately measure obstructive Doppler signals.
Presented by Amy Secomb, Owner and Director, Cardiac Skills Australia.
Clinical Bite: Phases of Valsalva
Approx. 9 minutes | 0.1 CPD credits
Understand the phases of Valsalva and which phase to assess and measure for accuracy and reproducibility.
Presented by Mahomed Osman, Lecturer, Central Queensland University.
Clinical Bite: Reporting tips for LVOT obstruction
Approx. 11 minutes | 0.2 CPD credits
Explore key reporting considerations for LVOT obstruction and how clear, accurate reporting can support clinical decision-making.
Presented by Dr Chris Ford, cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist at Eastern Health and Victorian Heart Hospital.
Webinar: The Goal-Directed Valsalva
Approx. 20 minutes | 0.3 CPD credits
Learn how goal-directed Valsalva and effective patient instruction can support the assessment of provocable LVOT obstruction.
Presented by Kim Prince, echocardiography lecturer at Central Queensland University and ASA Professional Development Manager.
Poster: Measuring the LVOT gradient
Download and print a step-by-step guide to measuring the LVOT gradient – from optimising the 2D image through to confirming the Doppler signal.
