Elevate your diagnostic accuracy by mastering the nuances of the Valsalva maneuver in echocardiography. This microlesson series explores traditional instructed Valsalva versus the Goal Directed maneuver, providing "tips and tricks" to overcome common pitfalls. We will examine the physiological phases of Valsalva and will dive into how Valsalva-induced hemodynamic shifts serve as a vital tool for both initial diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up.

Accreditation Statement: 

The American Society of Echocardiography is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Society of Echocardiography designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. 

Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) MOC program, and/or the American Board of Anesthesiology’s (ABA) Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Program® or MOCA 2.0®. It is ASE’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM and ABP MOC points and/or ABA MOCA 2.0®.   Physicians will earn MOC and/or MOCA 2.0 points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity.

ARDMS and CCI recognize ASE’s certificates and have agreed to honor the CME credit hours toward their registry requirements for sonographers.

• Release Date: March 23, 2026
• Expiration Date: March 23, 2029 - CME/MOC must be claimed by this date.

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain the purpose, physiological effect, phases, and methods of performing the Valsalva Maneuver.
• Demonstrate the underlying mechanisms of the maneuver and how to perform it effectively.
• Common execution and imaging pitfalls, in addition to tips for successful imaging.
• Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Instructed Valsalva versus Goal Directed Valsalva, and the impact each has on patient care.
• Understand how disease states can be better understood with GDV.
• Explore and address common questions related to reporting, cost, time, equipment, and strategies for implementing change.

Faculty Chairs:

• Cody Frye, MEd, ACS, RDCS, FASE
• Margaret Kurnides, ACS, RDCS, FASE

Faculty:

• Matthew Martinez, MD, FASE
• Dermot Phelan, MD, PhD, FASE
• Brad Mehl, MHA, ACS, RDCS, RDMS, RT, RVT, FASE
• Amy Dillenbeck MS, ACS, RDCS, FASE

This activity was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

• Contact:
  ASE Learning Hub