First-in-Human Use of a Novel 4D Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter
To Guide Interventional Electrophysiology Procedures
Abstract
Introduction: Standard two-dimensional (2D), phased-array intracardiac
echocardiography (ICE) is routinely used to guide interventional
electrophysiology (EP) procedures. A novel four-dimensional (4D) ICE
catheter (VeriSight Pro®, Philips, Andover, MA) can obtain 2D and
three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images and cine-videos in real time
(4D). The purpose of this study was to determine the early feasibility
and safety of this 4D ICE catheter during EP procedures. Methods: The 4D
ICE catheter was placed from the femoral vein in ten patients into
various cardiac chambers to guide EP procedures requiring transseptal
catheterization, including ablation for atrial fibrillation and left
atrial appendage closure. 2D- and 3D- ICE images were acquired in real
time by the electrophysiologist. A dedicated imaging expert performed
digital steering to optimize and post-process 4D images. Results: Eight
patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (cryoballoon in 7 patients,
pulsed field ablation in 1, additional radiofrequency left atrial
ablation in 1). Two patients underwent left atrial appendage closure.
High quality images of cardiac structures, transseptal catheterization
equipment, guide sheaths, ablation tools, and closure devices were
acquired with the ICE catheter tip positioned in the right atrium, left
atrium, pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, right ventricle, and pulmonary
artery. There were no complications. Conclusion: This is the
first-in-human experience of a novel deflectable 4D ICE catheter used to
guide EP procedures. 4D ICE imaging in safe and allows for acquisition
of high-quality 2D and 3D images in real-time. Further use of 4D ICE
will be needed to determine its added value for each EP procedure type.