Intracardiac echocardiography

What is it ?

Intracardiac echocardiography is a method of imaging the heart using ultrasound from within the heart itself producing very high quality images. ICE is particularly useful for looking at structures in the right side of the heart and to guide procedures to close and repair holes in the heart.

How is it performed ?

Under local anaesthetic, the ICE catheter is inserted into the vein at the top of your leg. The catheter is passed up into the heart and painless ultrasound images of the heart are collected.

How long does it take ?

Between 15 and 30 minutes.

Are there any risks ?

There is a small risk of bleeding at the vein puncture site.

What happens next ?

You will need to lie flat for a couple of hours after the procedure. The images will be analysed and a report generated, usually within seven days.