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Review
. 2024 Sep;26(9):893-901.
doi: 10.1007/s11886-024-02091-w. Epub 2024 Jul 12.

The use of Intracardiac Echocardiography in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Vasileios Sousonis  1 , Dimitrios Asvestas  1 , Emmanouil Vavouris  1 , Stavros Karanikas  1 , Elissavet Ypsilanti  1 , Stylianos Tzeis  2
Affiliations
Review

The use of Intracardiac Echocardiography in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Vasileios Sousonis et al. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of the review: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provides real-time, fluoroless imaging of cardiac structures, allowing optimal catheter positioning and energy delivery during ablation procedures. This review summarizes the use of ICE in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Recent findings: Growing evidence suggests that the use of ICE improves procedural safety and facilitates radiofrequency and cryoballoon AF ablation. ICE-guided catheter ablation is associated with reduced procedural duration and fluoroscopy use. Recent studies have examined the role of ICE in guiding novel ablation techniques, such as pulsed field ablation. Finally, the use of ICE allows for early detection and timely management of potentially serious procedural complications. Intracardiac echocardiography offers significant advantages during AF ablation procedures and its use should be encouraged to improve procedural safety and efficacy.

Keywords: Ablation; Atrial fibrillation; ICE; Intracardiac echocardiography; Transseptal puncture; Zero fluoroscopy.

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References

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