Arq Bras Cardiol: Imagem cardiovasc. 2025; 38(2): e20250031
Intracardiac Echocardiography: Current Status, Clinical Benefits, and Future Perspectives
DOI: 10.36660/abcimg.20250031i
Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an ultrasound imaging technique capable of providing real-time, high-quality visualization of cardiac structures and their adjacent tissues through a catheter with a transducer inserted directly into the heart chambers, typically via transfemoral venous access. By allowing direct and precise visualization of intracardiac anatomy, ICE has been increasingly used to guide structural interventions and catheter ablations for cardiac arrhythmias, as well as to enable immediate detection of intraoperative complications.
Initial clinical investigations began in the 1960s, focusing on the assessment of atrial septal defects. Since then, ICE has evolved significantly. The introduction of the phased-array transducer, the addition of color Doppler functionality, and advancements in manipulation systems have enabled its widespread clinical application. The latest version of phased-array ICE features a position sensor at the catheter tip, allowing real-time integration with three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems used in complex ablations. The ability to precisely maneuver the catheter, combined with its versatile positioning, makes ICE a valuable tool for anatomic navigation and real-time monitoring during complex interventions.
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Keywords: Cardiac Electrophysiology; Ecocardiograma; Patient Safety
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