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The Emerging Role of Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) in Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)

  • Structural Heart Disease (S Vakamudi, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has emerged as a powerful imaging tool to guide percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Herein, we review an imaging protocol for ICE-guided LAAC and discuss the evidence for its use.

Recent Findings

Standardized imaging protocols have been proposed but have not been fully validated. ICE imaging yields similar procedural and clinical outcomes when compared to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to guide LAAC. Despite benefits of avoiding general anesthesia, TEE, and multiple physicians for LAAC procedures, ICE imaging remains under-utilized. Novel ICE catheters with 3D imaging capabilities may improve accuracy and efficiency of LAAC device implantation.

Summary

ICE guidance is feasible, safe, and effective for LAAC. As the field evolves, further studies will be necessary to assess this technological advancement in imaging guidance.

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  1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Aravdeep Jhand

  2. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA

    Andrew M. Goldsweig

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Correspondence to Andrew M. Goldsweig.

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Dr. Goldsweig reports consulting fees from Philips and Inari Medical and speaking fees from Philips and Edwards Lifesciences. Dr. Jhand reports no relationships with industry to disclose.

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Jhand, A., Goldsweig, A.M. The Emerging Role of Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) in Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC). Curr Cardiol Rep 25, 1223–1232 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-023-01940-4

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