Intracardiac Echocardiography: A Game-Changing Imaging Technique in Cardiology
Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is emerging as a transformative imaging technique that enhances precision and safety in structural heart disease interventions, potentially replacing traditional TEE in many procedures.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) has introduced an extensive guide detailing the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for guiding structural heart disease (SHD) procedures. This innovative imaging modality offers a significant shift from traditional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), providing clinicians with real-time, high-resolution visualization from within the heart without the need for general anesthesia.
Published in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (JSCAI), the position statement discusses the benefits and challenges of integrating ICE into clinical practice. It highlights how ICE has become essential in various interventions, including mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valve procedures, as well as left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closures.
Expert opinions emphasize that ICE is revolutionizing transcatheter interventions by offering clearer imaging, reducing reliance on general anesthesia, minimizing complications, and enabling same-day discharges in many cases. This leads to safer, less invasive procedures for patients and enhances precision for physicians. The document also provides standardized protocols, specific views for different interventions, training recommendations, and insights into workflow adjustments needed for widespread adoption.
Despite these advancements, hurdles such as reimbursement policies and the need for further comparative studies remain. The authors advocate for policy updates to support the broader use of ICE and stress ongoing research to solidify its role in cardiology. As training and technology evolve, ICE’s potential to become a primary imaging tool in structural heart procedures is increasingly apparent, promising improved outcomes and operational efficiencies in cardiology care.
source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-intracardiac-echocardiography-imaging-modality.html
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