A Comparison of Echocardiographic Modalities to Guide Structural Heart Disease Interventions

Abstract

Percutaneous techniques to treat structural heart disease are rapidly evolving based on innovative interventions and the considerable advancement in image guidance technology. While two-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography have been integral to procedural planning and execution, intracardiac and three-dimensional echocardiography supply unique visualization of target structures with a potential improvement in patient safety and procedural efficacy. The choice of image guidance modality is based on specific differences between imaging systems, as well as other variables including cost, patient safety, operator expertise, and complexity of procedure. We will compare the adjunctive imaging tools for structural heart disease interventions, with a focus on intracardiac echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Defining structural heart disease in the adult patient: current scope, inherent challenges and future directions

“…Furthermore, different disease processes are better served by various imaging modalities as intracardiac echocardiography is very well suited for PFO and ASD closure, while transesophageal echocardiography (conventional and RT 3-D appears to be better suited for percutaneous valve implantation. 52 Dedication to and expertise in these imaging modalities is necessary to ensure optimal treatment of these defects.…”