Obst | From chest to core: Advanced ultrasound of the fetal trunk and vascular pathways
Tracks
Arena 1A | GE HealthCare
Obstetrics
| Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
| 11:20 AM - 12:50 PM |
| Arena 1A | GE HealthCare |
Overview
Dr Kate Russo
Speaker
Dr Kate Russo
Senior Lecturer / O+G Specialist Sonographer
CQ University / SAMI WCH Campus
From chest to core: Advanced ultrasound of the fetal trunk and vascular pathways
11:20 AM - 12:50 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Detailed assessment of the fetal trunk requires advanced anatomical knowledge and refined ultrasound technique, particularly when evaluating complex thoracoabdominal structures and vascular pathways. This masterclass will provide an in depth exploration of the fetal thorax and abdomen, with emphasis on understanding anatomy, physiological development, and the embryological basis of normal variation and pathology.
Participants will review advanced sonographic assessment of thoracic and abdominal organs and major fetal vessels. Embryological development will be used to contextualise vascular anatomy, including systemic and portal venous pathways, and to support interpretation of anatomical configurations encountered in clinical practice and fetal anomalies.
This masterclass will highlight practical scanning approaches and strategies for accurately characterising abnormalities. The aim is to equip experienced sonographers with the confidence and expertise to perform advanced fetal trunk assessments and contribute to high quality prenatal diagnosis.
Participants will review advanced sonographic assessment of thoracic and abdominal organs and major fetal vessels. Embryological development will be used to contextualise vascular anatomy, including systemic and portal venous pathways, and to support interpretation of anatomical configurations encountered in clinical practice and fetal anomalies.
This masterclass will highlight practical scanning approaches and strategies for accurately characterising abnormalities. The aim is to equip experienced sonographers with the confidence and expertise to perform advanced fetal trunk assessments and contribute to high quality prenatal diagnosis.
Biography
Dr Kate Russo |
CQ University / SAMI WCH Campus
Kate Russo is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Sonography with Central Queensland University and a Specialist O+G Sonographer / Advanced Clinical Educator with SAMI at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide. With more than 25 years of sonography experience, she has expertise in fetal medicine and fetal echocardiography. Kate began her career in Brisbane before spending several years in the UK, returning to Adelaide in 2009 to continue advancing high‑quality obstetric sonography.
She is a passionate advocate for the sonography profession, focusing on person‑centred care and communication, and continual improvement in clinical practice. Kate is a Director of Through the Unexpected, supporting and advocating for families facing an unexpected prenatal diagnosis.
She serves on the ASA Sonographer Policy and Advocacy Committee and Clinical Supervisors Committee and is actively involved in research to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. In 2024, she was named SA Sonographer of the Year by the ASA.
Mrs Paula Kinnane
GM PD, Standards, and Research
ASA- Australasian Sonographers Association
From chest to core: Advanced ultrasound of the fetal trunk and vascular pathways - live scanning support
11:20 AM - 12:50 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Detailed assessment of the fetal trunk requires advanced anatomical knowledge and refined ultrasound technique, particularly when evaluating complex thoracoabdominal structures and vascular pathways. This masterclass will provide an in depth exploration of the fetal thorax and abdomen, with emphasis on understanding anatomy, physiological development, and the embryological basis of normal variation and pathology.
Participants will review advanced sonographic assessment of thoracic and abdominal organs and major fetal vessels. Embryological development will be used to contextualise vascular anatomy, including systemic and portal venous pathways, and to support interpretation of anatomical configurations encountered in clinical practice and fetal anomalies.
This masterclass will highlight practical scanning approaches and strategies for accurately characterising abnormalities. The aim is to equip experienced sonographers with the confidence and expertise to perform advanced fetal trunk assessments and contribute to high quality prenatal diagnosis.
Participants will review advanced sonographic assessment of thoracic and abdominal organs and major fetal vessels. Embryological development will be used to contextualise vascular anatomy, including systemic and portal venous pathways, and to support interpretation of anatomical configurations encountered in clinical practice and fetal anomalies.
This masterclass will highlight practical scanning approaches and strategies for accurately characterising abnormalities. The aim is to equip experienced sonographers with the confidence and expertise to perform advanced fetal trunk assessments and contribute to high quality prenatal diagnosis.
Biography
Mrs Paula Kinnane FASA |
Australasian Sonographers Association
Paula Kinnane is a sonographer with 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academia, research, and professional advocacy. With over two decades as a senior obstetric sonographer in MFM and eight years of university teaching, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to advancing sonographic care.
Paula has a particular interest in professional development and policy reform. She was recently awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate international models of sonographer reporting in the UK, Norway, and New Zealand, with the aim of improving healthcare access in Australia, especially in rural and remote communities.
Now working with the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA), Paula leads the development of clinical guidelines, professional frameworks, and education resources, while advocating for the evolving role of sonographers in multidisciplinary care. Her work reflects a thoughtful, future-focused approach to strengthening the profession through collaboration, education, and evidence-based practice.
