Intracardiac echocardiogram

Intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) is a type of echocardiography that provides high-resolution images of the heart and its structures. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the heart's interior.

Procedure

The intracardiac echocardiogram procedure involves the insertion of a specialized catheter into a vein in the patient's leg. The catheter is then guided up to the heart, where it emits ultrasound waves to create images of the heart's structures. This allows physicians to visualize the heart's chambers, valves, and other structures in real time.

Uses

Intracardiac echocardiograms are used in a variety of clinical settings. They are often used to guide procedures such as cardiac ablation, cardiac catheterization, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). They can also be used to detect and monitor conditions such as congenital heart disease, endocarditis, and cardiac tumors.

Benefits

The main benefit of an intracardiac echocardiogram is its ability to provide high-resolution images of the heart's structures. This can help physicians to make more accurate diagnoses and to guide procedures more precisely. Additionally, because it is a minimally invasive procedure, it carries fewer risks and complications than traditional open-heart surgery.

Risks

While intracardiac echocardiograms are generally safe, they do carry some risks. These can include bleeding at the catheter insertion site, infection, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and reactions to the ultrasound contrast agent.

See also

• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Transesophageal echocardiogram