Intracardiac echocardiogram
Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a specialized form of echocardiography that utilizes an ultrasound-tipped catheter to perform imaging of the heart from within the heart. Unlike transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), ICE is not limited by body habitus. An ICE catheter is inserted into the body, typically, through the femoral vein and advanced into the heart.
Uses
The use of ICE is specialized and not intended for general echocardiography due to its cost and invasiveness. It is used as a part of a larger heart procedure. A typical use of ICE is for performing a transseptal puncture across the interatrial septum; in other words, pushing a catheter from the right atrium to the left atrium. Next to the septum is the aorta, and puncturing from the right atrium to the aorta is dangerous, and ICE visualization increases the confidence of performing this procedure safely.
Limitations
ICE catheters are limited in size as they must be introduced inside the blood vessels. Limitation of the size of the catheter limits the ultrasound crystal and the image quality obtainable. However, because the catheter can be readily moved into close proximity of the desired structure, the quality limitation can be reduced.