Intracardiac ultrasound description and clinical applications.

Intracardiac ultrasound was developed because of the need for accuracy during invasive heart procedures. This technology enables the operator to visualize heart structures and to precisely guide catheters and various devices in the heart. Mechanical (rotational) type of ultrasound probe was developed first, but has now been surpassed by newer sector type probe that is commonly used nowadays. Use of intracardiac ultrasound is most widespread in electrophysiology procedures and ablations due to heart rhythm disorders. It is also used in other invasive heart procedures, such as atrial septal defect closure, patent foramen ovale closure, ventricular septal defect closure, percutaneous procedures on the aortic valve and others. The use of intracardiac ultrasound ensures a higher level of safety during invasive heart procedures.