This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies, focussing on the unique challenges of unusual ectopic pregnancy presentations. The talk will discuss location-specific diagnostic approaches, clinical correlation, and will include case study examples.

Introduction: Genomic testing is becoming an integral component of healthcare, providing valuable perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions. This presentation is designed for health professionals who are interested in understanding the fundamentals of clinical genomics and its relevance to ultrasound. An emphasis on the application of genomics in fetal medicine will equip sonographers working in obstetrics with the knowledge to incorporate these insights into their clinical practice.
Method: Review of the literature and reliable online resources.
Results: The integration of genomics with sonography can enhance the understanding of prognosis, facilitate informed decision-making, and guide clinical management.
Conclusion: Understanding genomic terminology, available testing options, and appropriate resources can empower sonographers to discuss genetic issues with their patients with sensitivity and confidence.
Take home message: Genomics is a rapidly evolving field where sonography can play a pivotal role. Equipping sonographers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate genomics will enhance patient care.

Introduction: Ultrasound is critical in prenatal care, allowing adequate and measured pregnancy management. Empathy provides a critical role in allowing a sonographer to shape a patient’s experiences on their pregnancy journey. Attributes such as interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence can help the sonographer “read the room”, facilitate bonding, gain trust/rapport, and reduce patient anxiety.
Method: It’s important to define the sonographer role and the characteristics/attributes required to be a good obstetric sonographer. Obstetrics ultrasound involves dealing with patients from all situations, races, backgrounds and varying obstetric history. Dealing with multiple rounds of in-vitro fertilisation, previous fetal death in-utero or even contemplating life with an unwanted pregnancy. It’s important to understand everyone’s “patient” experience/situation is different. It's important to illustrate ways to demonstrate empathy in our daily role in dealing with these situations. Concentrating on verbal and non-verbal cues of communication such as gentle touch, verbal encouragement, displaying compassion and attentive listening.
Results: Leading with empathy focused care, allows patients to experience a positive pregnancy experience, even in difficult moments of their pregnancy, which may shape subsequent pregnancies. Empathy also allows a human element and an understanding by the sonographer that the patient is not alone in their care.
Conclusion: By fostering a positive and supportive scanning environment led with empathy, patients can have a positive pregnancy experience, enhanced satisfaction, and improved adherence to care and health outcomes.
Take home message: Leading with empathy focused care allows patients to have a positive pregnancy experience, even in difficult moments of their pregnancy.

Introduction: Assessment of the placental cord insertion (PCI) is a vital component of antenatal ultrasound examinations however, the PCI can be complex, particularly in cases of abnormal PCI, and requires proficient sonographer spatial perception. Current literature describes an increasing potential of three-dimensional (3D) modelling to enhance spatial awareness and understanding of complex anatomical structures. This study aimed to assess sonographers’ confidence in ultrasound assessment of the PCI, and the potential benefit of using novel 3D printed models of the fetus in improving their visuospatial perception of the PCI.
Methods: Members of the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey included an instructional video which introduced our developed 3D printed models of the PCI, designed to improve sonographers’ 3D perception of the PCI.
Results: Findings demonstrated increased confidence levels in sonographer assessment of the PCI following our educational video. 61.9% of the surveyed sonographers indicated that our 3D printed models of the PCI improved their visuospatial perception of the PCI, and 61.9% recommended the models as educational devices.
Conclusions and take-home message: Our study has demonstrated the potential benefits of increased education regarding PCI assessment among sonographers and supports current literature that 3D models are a valid means of increasing understanding of complicated anatomy.

Introduction: Protecting the obstetric sonographer from work-related injury is transitioning from theoretical acknowledgement into pragmatic action. Over the last 3 decades, surgical sub-specialities have successfully combined robotic technology with traditional practices. In doing so, they have benefitted from increased precision in techniques, reduced incidence of surgical complications, and reduced MSK disorders.
This presentation will review the current footprint of cobotics in obstetric ultrasound.
Methods: The review was carried out using the JBI PRISMA protocol to map the topic of robotics in obstetric ultrasound.
Results: Obstetric cobotic literature focused on the following robotic sub-topics: robotic-assisted ultrasound, automated image acquisition, image stitching and fusion, teleoperated remote ultrasound, and ultrasound guided robotic surgery. Ultrasound guided robotic surgery was performed for maternal partial nephrectomy and cervical cerclage. Teleoperated remote ultrasound formed the largest combined clinical cohort of 67 patients. Limitations of the 20-week scan concerned incomplete visualisation of some essential fetal structures, as listed by industry guidelines. Third trimester scans omitted umbilical artery Doppler measures. Patients having telerobotic ultrasound report the experience as ‘comfortable’ and would agree to repeat the robotic scan in the future.
Conclusion:The most mature application of obstetric cobotics is seen in teleoperated remote ultrasound where pilot trials have used clinical patients. Other areas of research investigate proof of concept testing.
Take home message: Academic researchers are collaborating with industry to market novel solutions which are capable of improving scanning career endurance.

Preterm pre-eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Many randomised trials have investigated the potential role of aspirin in preventing pre-eclampsia, such that, overall, meta-analyses conclude that aspirin is likely to have a modest effect in reducing pre-eclampsia in women at risk. Recent studies, however, show that aspirin started before 16 weeks may have a greater effect, and one of the biggest challenges has been identifying early and precisely who is at risk. Screening with multiparametric biomarkers has been shown to identify women at increased risk of pre-term pre-eclampsia.
The traditional approach to screening for pre-eclampsia relies on risk factor-based checklists. However, despite their simplicity, this binary “yes/no” approach only identifies as high-risk 3 out of every 10 patients who eventually develop pre-eclampsia. Individualised risk calculation based on a combination of maternal characteristics, medical history, blood pressure measurements, ultrasound and serum biomarkers has significantly higher accuracy, more than doubling the detection of preterm pre-eclampsia.
In this session, we will discuss the recent evidence regarding pre-eclampsia screening and prevention, including the landmark ASPRE study that was designed to assess the efficacy of low-dose aspirin in a population of over 26,000 pregnant women screened in the first trimester using this approach.