Ultrasound Based Three-Dimensional Mapping for Safely Performing
Intracardiac Echocardiographic Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device
Implantation.
Abstract
Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has historically been
performed using intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
and fluoroscopy. Multiple recent reports have described the feasibility
and advantages of utilizing two-dimensional intracardiac
echocardiography (ICE) for LAAO. However, in inexperienced hands, safe
manipulation of the ICE catheter in the left atrium (LA) can be
challenging. Objective: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of
three-dimensional (3D) ICE mapping in guiding LAAO device implant
compared to standard TEE imaging. Methods: We retrospectively included
patients who underwent LAAO in our institution from January 2017 and
October 2021. We compared baseline demographics, intraprocedural data,
post-procedural complications, and outcomes. P= value of <0.05
was considered significant. A linear regression model was performed
using ICE and TEE as dependent variables to model contrast dose.
Results: 130 patients underwent LAAO device implantation, of which 57
underwent ICE guided LAAO and 73 underwent TEE guided implantation.
There was no difference in baseline demographics or post-procedural
outcomes between both groups. There was no difference in the total
procedure time between ICE and TEE groups, 86 (72-107) and 83 (72-111)
minutes (p=0.65), respectively. Conversely, total fluoroscopic time was
significantly shorter in ICE arm 7.8 (5.6-11), compared to TEE arm 12.9
(10.5-17.6) (p= <0.001). In patients undergoing LAAO device
implantation using 3D ICE technique, with each additional ICE-guided
procedure, the contrast dose decreased by 0.87 mL (correlation r =
-0.48, p<0.001). Conclusion: 3D ICE is safe and feasible in
guiding LAAO device implantation. When compared to TEE technique, total
fluoroscopic time was shorter. Additionally, with more procedures
utilizing 3D ICE, contrast dose decreased in a linear fashion.