Intracardiac Ultrasound allows detailed evaluation of the inner surface of the heart and valves to determine if there is abnormal anatomy, vegetation (infection), or any abnormalities of the inner lining of the heart. Sometimes, Intracardiac Ultrasound is used during other cardiovascular procedures, such as Pulmonary Vein Ablation or Atrial Septal Closures, to provide constant monitoring of the heart structures and pulmonary blood flow throughout the procedure.
Intracardiac Ultrasound is an invasive diagnostic test using a catheter with a sound transducer (or sound probe) on the end. The catheter is threaded throught the vein in the groin and up into the heart. High-frequency sound waves are used to create precise images of the interior heart surface. The catheter is carefully removed.