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Role of Intracardiac echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation




Role of Intracardiac echocardiography in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Antonio Dello Russo, MD PhD*, Eleonora Russo, MD*, Gaetano Fassini, MD*, Michela Casella, MD PhD*, Ester Innocenti, MD*, Martina Zucchetti, MD*, Claudia Cefalu’, MD*, Francesco Solimene, MD§ , Gaetano Mottola, MD§, Daniele Colombo, MD*, Fabrizio Bologna, MD*, Benedetta Majocchi, MD*, Pasquale Santangeli, MD**, Stefania Riva, MD*, Luigi Di Biase, MD, PhD**, Cesare Fiorentini, MD*, and Claudio Tondo, MD PhD, *.
*Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy., **Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin Texas, USA, §Casa di Cura Montevergine, Mercogliano , Italy.

Abstract
In the recent years, several new evidences support catheter-based ablation as a treatment modality of atrial fibrillation (AF). Based on a plenty of different applications, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is now a well-established technology in complex electrophysiological procedures, in particular in AF ablation. ICE contributes to improve the efficacy and safety of such procedures defining the anatomical structures involved in ablation procedures and monitoring in real time possible complications. In particular ICE allows: a correct identification of the endocardial structures; a guidance of transseptal puncture; an assessment of accurate placement of the circular mapping catheter; an indirect evaluation of evolving lesions during radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery via visualization of micro and macrobubbles tissue heating; assessment of catheter contact with cardiac tissues. Recently, also the feasibility of the integration of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and intracardiac echocardiography has been demonstrated, combining accurate real time anatomical information with electroanatomical data. As a matter of fact, different techniques and ablation strategies have been developed throughout the years. In the setting of balloon-based ablation systems, recently adopted by an increasing number of centers, ICE might have a role in the choice of appropriate balloon size and to confirm accurate occlusion of pulmonary veins. Furthermore, in the era of minimally fluoroscopic ablation, ICE has successfully provided a contribute in reducing fluoroscopy time. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current applications of ICE in catheter based ablation strategies of atrial fibrillation, focusing-on electronically phased-array ICE.

Corresponding Address : Antonio Dello Russo, MD PhD, Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Centre, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy.

Introduction
In the recent years, several new evidences support catheter-based ablation as a treatment modality of atrial fibrillation (AF), either in patients with drug-resistant symptomatic paroxysmal AF or as first-line therapy in selected patients. The common endpoint of AF ablation procedure in most centers is Pulmonary Veins Isolation (PVI).1-4 This anatomically based approach implies the need for a better visualization of left atrial anatomy and interventional catheter devices in addition to traditional fluoroscopy. Although the fluoroscopic two-dimensional “silhouette” imaging provides a general overview of the cardiac anatomy, it requires substantial experience to carefully recognize the target structures and to guide catheters location. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) allows to visualize the left atrium (LA) in real time during the course of the procedure and to identify all structures for the ablation accomplishment. ICE has proved to be helpful in the setting of electrophysiological (EP) procedures and in particular for AF catheter-based ablation allowing: (1) a correct identification of the endocardial structures (assessment of pulmonary veins anatomy, ostium size, and normal blood flow via 2-D anatomical imaging and Doppler measurements); (2) a guidance of transseptal puncture, particularly in the setting of complex or unusual anatomy; (3) an assessment of accurate placement of the circular mapping catheter; (4) an indirect evaluation of evolving lesions during radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery via visualization of micro and macrobubbles tissue heating, with the latter providing a signal for energy termination; (5) assessment of catheter contact with cardiac tissues.5-8 Recently, also the feasibility of the integration of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and intracardiac echocardiography has been demonstrated, combining accurate real time anatomical information with electroanatomical data.6,9-11 As a matter of fact, different techniques and ablation strategies have been developed throughout the years. In the setting of balloon-based ablation systems, recently adopted by an increasing number of centers, ICE might have a role in the choice of appropriate balloon size and to confirm accurate occlusion of pulmonary veins (PV).12-14 Furthermore, in the era of minimally fluoroscopic ablation, ICE has successfully provided a contribute in achieving “near-to-zero” fluoroscopy ablation.10,15,16
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current applications of ICE in catheter based ablation strategies of atrial fibrillation, focusing-on electronically phased-array ICE.
Intracardiac Echocardiography: Types of ICE probe
During the past 15 years, transducer miniaturization and advances in microelectric and piezoelectric crystal technology have allowed ICE to become an invaluable tool for cardiac assessment. Nowadays two different types of ICE imaging systems are available: the mechanical ultrasound catheter radial imaging system and the electronic phased-array catheter sector imaging system. In the mechanical ultrasound catheter (Ultra ICE) radial imaging system (EP Technologies, Boston Scientific), a single, rotating, crystal ultrasound transducer is mounted at the end of a nonsteerable 9 Fr (110-cm length) catheter. Mechanical ICE produces imaging frequencies between 9 and 12 MHz, thus providing near-field clarity (within 5 to 7 cm of the transducer) but poor tissue penetration and farfield resolution. As a result, this system has not allowed clear imaging of the LA and PV, except when introduced directly into the LA (transseptally).6,17
In the electronic phased-array ultrasound catheter (AcuNav) coupled with sector imaging system (Acuson Corporation, Siemens Medical Solutions,Malvern, Pa.), the ultrasound transducer is mounted on the distal end of an 8 or 10 Fr (90-cm length) catheter and has a forward-facing 64-element vector phased-array transducer scanning in the longitudinal plane. The catheter has a four-way steerable tip (160 degrees anteroposterior and left-right deflections). Imaging capabilities include 90-degree sector 2-D, M-mode, and Doppler imaging (pulsed-wave, continuous-wave, color, and tissue Doppler), with tissue penetration up to 16 cm, and variable ultrasound frequency (5.5, 7.5, 8.5, and 10 MHz). Electronically phased-array ICE can provide more detailed cardiac structural and functional imaging, comparable with transesophageal echocardiography, but without manipulation in a limited esophageal space. It also provides hemodynamic evaluation with Doppler and color flow imaging for the atria, pulmonary veins and great vessels. These features have been of significant value for PV isolation procedures and creation of linear lesions inthe LA.6,17
A newer phased array ultrasound catheter 64-element systems, the ViewFlex Plus (St. Jude Medical, Inc.) developed in association with Philips Medical Systems (Bothell, WA) is a steerable catheter via two-way articulation and runs on the ViewMate ultrasound system (EPMedSystems, Inc., Berlin, NJ). The ViewFlex Plus ICE catheter has a frequency ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 MHz, with an imaging depth of 12 cm. It appears to be somewhat similar to the AcuNav catheter that can be rotated axially and steered in anterior and posterior directions. The ViewMate Z System uses Zone Sonography from ZONEARE Medical Systems, a new approach to ultrasound image acquisition and processing. Using a small number of large “zones,” this technology acquires ultrasound data up to ten times faster than conventional systems and implements the full reality of data acquisition and management in software rather than hardware. By enhancing image resolution, uniformity, contrast, and penetration, ZONE Sonography provides high-quality images in real-time.6,17,18
Visualization of Left Atrial Anatomy
Intracardiac ecocardiography is usually performed introducing the catheter through the right femoral vein and then moving it into the right atrium (RA), the right ventricle or occasionally in the LA transseptally. By locating the ICE ultrasound probe in the RA a home long axis view of the RA, the RV and the tricuspid valve can be obtained.
From the home view position, a clockwise rotation of the catheter allows a subsequent view of the aorta, the pulmonary artery and the RV outflow tract. With a further rotation of the probe the Fossa Ovalis (FO), the LA, the mitral valve and left appendage become visible (Figure 1). Should a better view of the FO be required, the ICE catheter can be advanced or withdrawn accordingly to optimize its visualization. To better view the entire septum and the FO, the probe should be moved posteriorly. The left pulmonary veins are clearly visible rotating the probe from the left appendage view in a clockwise direction (Figure 2). A short-axis image obtained by inserting the probe into the RA and rotating it in a clockwise direction represents the best right pulmonary veins view (known as “owl-eyes”). During AF ablation is particularly relevant to visualize the right pulmonary veins in the long-axis view in order to get a better definition of the ostium-antrum border. This can be obtained by rotating the ICE probe posteriorly and placing it against the interatrial septum (Figure 3-Figure 4). A clear long axis view of both right pulmonary veins is usually much more difficult compared to the left ones. ICE plays also an important role in visualizing other structures of interest (e.g. the esophagus and the pericardium) whose anatomical positions are very important during AF ablation.
Figure 1. Panel A: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-2D image of the left atrium (LA), left atrial appendage (LAA) and fossa ovalis (FO). The green lines represent the endocardial borders tracked in order to build a 3D anatomical shell. Panel B: Co-registration of the LA ICE-3D-anatomical shell and the pre-operative cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan.



Figure 2. Panel A: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) 2D image of the left atrium (LA), left superior and inferior pulmonary veins (LSPV and LIPV). The green lines represent the endocardial borders. Panel B: Co-registration of the LA ICE-3D-anatomical shell and the pre-operative cardiac CT scan



Figure 3. Panel A: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-2D image of the left atrium (LA), right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV). The green lines represent the endocardial borders. Panel B: Co-registration of the LA ICE-3D-anatomical shell and the pre-operative cardiac CT scan.



Figure 4. Panel A: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-derived 2D image of the left atrium (LA), right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV). The green lines represent the endocardial borders. Panel B: Co-registration of the LA ICE 3D-anatomical shell and the pre-operative cardiac CT scan



Guidance of Transseptal Puncture
Transseptal puncture has always been a challenge to the operator, due to the particular position of the fossa ovalis, the site of lowest resistance, located within the atrial septum between the posterior atrial wall and the bulb of the aorta. Traditionally, it has always been performed using fluoroscopic guidance, in which anatomic structures are not visualized directly and the catheter position is entirely estimated by its relationship with cardiac silhouette. Furthermore, it is possible to fluoroscopically estimate the position of fossa ovalis by standard electrode catheters as anatomical references.19 Despite these strategies, complications associated with transseptal puncture are estimated to occur in approximately 1% of procedures and are mostly related to the perforation of the posterior atrial wall or of the aortic root.20
Intracardiac echocardiography provides excellent display of the FO as previously described, and has recently become a complementary tool to fluoroscopy for a safer LA access (Figure 5). As a matter of fact, when advanced in the right atrium, the echocardiographic catheter provides a cross-sectional view of the FO, which allows the position of both the needle and the sheath to be checked in the middle of the FO (Figure 6). This helps to determine the exact position of the needle by looking for tenting of the membranous septum at the time of the puncture. It also confirms access to the left atrium via injection of contrast material through the needle, even though the HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation recommends the use of ICE because of the possibility to visualize directly the interatrial septum, avoiding the use of iodine contrast whenever contraindicated.1,21 According to this Statement, ICE should be used also thanks to the possibility of being able to perform, under echocardiographic guidance, transseptal puncture in patients that are fully anticoagulated, since it may prevent cardiac tamponade.8
Continuous real-time observation of the interatrial septum also adds important information especially in patients with abnormal anatomy of the interatrial septum, such as aneurysmatic floppy septum, lipomatous hypertrophy of the septum, patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) and previous cardiac surgery.5,22 Double transseptal puncture in patients with ASD repair or PFO closure has been shown feasible and safe using ICE. The effectiveness of a transseptal puncture through different devices as pericardial patches, septal stitches, Dacron patches, Cardioseal™ and Amplatzer™ guided by ICE have been described.23 In patients with ASD closure devices the possibility to perform an eco-guided transseptal puncture both at the level of the native septum and of the implanted device was confirmed.24 Furthermore, a recent study has demonstrated the role of ICE in the visualization of the intra-atrial membrane during transseptal catheterization in patients with AF and cor triatriatum, facilitating direct entry into the posterior-superior pulmonary vein chamber.25 ICE can be used also for safe guidance of transbaffle puncture to obtain biatrial access in patients affected by supraventricular arrhythmias, after atrial correction of the great arteries transposition.26 An innovative approach consists in using ICE cathetertransoesophageally, introducing the probe through the nasal route and performing close monitoring during the positioning of the transseptal needle, and withdrawing the probe after transseptal catheterization27( Figure 7). Even though fluoroscopy is still an important complementary tool during catheter positioning for the transseptal puncture, the possibility to perform the whole AF ablation procedure in both paroxysmal and persistent patients under ICE and electroanatomical mapping guidance has been recently described.28
Some surveys have also shown that ICE is a useful tool in guiding difficult transseptal punctures requiring specifically designed radiofrequency needles (Toronto Transseptal Catheter, Baylis Medical Company Inc, Monteral, Canada) (Figure 8) or J-shaped transseptal guidewires (SafeSept, PressureProducts, Inc.,San Pedro, CA, USA).29-32
Figure 5. Two-dimensional ICE image derived from a transducer location in right atrium (RA). From this view it is possible to see the fossa ovalis (FO) and left atrium (LA)



Figure 6. Two-dimensional ICE image that shows the Brockenbrough-curve needle is advanced from the right atrium (RA) to the fossa ovalis (FO) for transseptal puncture guided by ICE. LA: left atrium.



Figure 7. Interatrial septum visualized using ICE transoesophageally, tenting of the interatrial septum towards the left atrium (LA); RA, right atrium.



Figure 8. Sequence of ICE imaging of transseptal puncture by radiofrequency delivery, crossing a thickened interatrial septum. Panel A: the tip of the powered needle is positioned in the fossa ovalis of the interatrial septum. Panel B: tenting of the fossa ovalis is demonstrated. Panel C: a single application of radiofrequency energy was delivered. Panel D: the tip of the needle can be seen in the left atrium (LA) immediately after radiofrequency energy delivery and the needle crossed the septum.



Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Left Atrial Anatomy
Integration of ICE imaging into a 3D reconstruction of the LA is an upgrade of the utility of ICE during AF ablation. The CARTOSound system (Biosense Webster, Inc.) allows to reconstruct multiple 2D ultrasound fans generated by ICE to a 3D shell of the cardiac chambers. By using a dedicated echocardiography probe (SoundStar 3D Ultrasound Catheter, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, USA) with a location sensor tracked by the mapping system, endocardial contours of the LA and PVs can be acquired while the catheter is still in the right atrium before transseptal puncture. The CARTOSound volume map of the cardiac chamber may be used as a stand-alone tool to guide navigation and ablation or as a facilitator of computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image integration using an integrated software algorithm (CARTOMerge, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, USA). Continuous “real time” imaging provided by ICE yields a significant advantage, since both CT scan and MRI have the drawback of time intervals between the imaging and the ablative procedure itself, during which changes in anatomical conditions and shape of LA may occur, potentially due to changes in intravascular fluid volume, patient position and underlying cardiac rhythm6 Furthermore MRI has shortcomings associatedwith availability and costs, while CT causes additional radiation exposure for the patient and- requires contrast medium administration. Recreating LA anatomy with ICE is advantageous as it minimizes chamber deformity with contact mapping, permits detailed visualization of the LA and its adjacent structures, and reduces radiation exposure.33,34
Since the first reports of its use in humans, several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of CARTOSound system for guiding ablation procedures, including AF catheter ablation.35 A good alignment between the reconstructed electroanatomical map and the 3D image of the heart is crucial for a proper merge; this process is then carried out by a mathematical algorithm (Figure 9).36 A recent showed that ICE-guided landmark registration with a new technique of ICE-guidedfocused endocardial surface registration resulted in a superior accuracy as compared to traditional landmark registration in achieving a better alignment between the CT/MR image and the electroanatomical map. (Figure 10) .37
Figure 9. Screen shot of the CARTO (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) electroanatomical mapping system. The ostium of the left superior PV, identified by ICE, is used as single landmark point (red circle on the ICE image right on the top). On the left the endocardial landmark point is marked on the imported 3-D CT image, thus creating a landmark pair, with one landmark point on the real-time electroanatomical map and the other on the 3-D CT image. Landmark registration approximates the electroanatomical map to the 3D CT surface reconstruction by matching the landmark pair.



Figure 10. Screen shot of the CARTO (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) electroanatomical mapping system. Using more landmark points increases the accuracy of the registration process. On the right, the ICE 2-D image shows landmark points (red circles). The left panel shows landmarks points on the real time electroanatomical map and on the 3-D CT image.



In a recent randomized study the impact of different modalities of image integration with CARTO system on procedural and fluoroscopy times was evaluated: CARTOSound-guided PV isolation with preprocedural MRI only or with the combination of MRI and/or ICE was studied. Total procedural time was similar in the three groups, but MRI integration required more fluoroscopy time and a longer dwell time spent in the LA. Intracardiac ultrasound image integration significantly reduces fluoroscopy time and dwell in the LA, a parameter linked to the procedure-associated risk of cerebrovascular complications, in comparison to MRI integration alone.38
Visualization and Navigation of Catheters
The position of the PV circular mapping catheter can be monitored with ICE to determine the precise location close to the ostium of PVs (Figure 11). A helpful tool of ICE integration with CARTO system is the possibility to display the tip of the ablation catheter in the ultrasound viewer of the CARTO monitor: a green coloured electronic representation of the catheter tip appears in the ultrasound real time image whenever the ultrasound fan intersects it (Figure 12). This feature allows to locate the exact position of the mapping catheter and to ensure adeguate catheter tissue contact. Furthermore it can provide imaging of lesion morphologic changes including swelling, dimpling, crater formation, accelerated bubbles before popping .21 Recently the impact of catheter tip/tissue contact in RA and LA in five dogs who underwent atrial ablation guided by the SenseiTM robotic catheter remote control system, using a 3.5-mm irrigated-tip ablation catheter has been evaluated (Celsius Thermocool, Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA). Simultaneous 2D ICE and fluoroscopic images were obtained to establish catheter tip/tissue orientation, catheter shaft curve angles and tissue contact. A correlation between 2D ICE/fluoroscopy visualized catheter tip/tissue contact and the measured contact force was found .39
Figure 11. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-derived 2D image of the left atrium (LA). A circular mapping catheter can clearly be visualized in the antrum of the LSPV.



Figure 12. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-derived 2D image of the left atrium (LA). Activating the function “show mapping catheter tip”, a green colored electronic representation of the catheter tip appears in the ultrasound real time image when the ultrasound fan intersects it.



Monitoring for Complications
Even if it has been shown that the rate of major complications associated with AF catheter ablation has decreased from 11.1% in 2002 to 1.6% in 2010, it still represents a major concern for the electrophysiologists.40 The use of ICE through different stages of the procedure can help to reduce complications such as pericardial effusion, tamponade, thrombus formation, pulmonary veins stenosis or atrial-esophageal fistulas (Figure 13 ).41,42
A recent study showed a significant lowering of complications of cardiac origin in procedures ICE-guided as compared to traditional approaches (0.25% vs 1.3% p= 0,002).41 These findings can be easily explained by the capability of ICE to detect in real time even small pericardial effusions, at their very early stage, prior to hemodynamic changes.35 Moreover, it has been proven that ICE can reduce thromboembolic events by providing serial assessment, multiple views and detailed imaging of the LAA to diagnose the presence of thrombus, most of all when equivocal TEE findings require confirmation.44 It was also discussed the role of ICE in the early detection of thrombus formation in the LA during catheter ablation, especially at the edge of the transseptal sheath or along the circular mapping catheter. An unexpected high incidence (10.3%) of thrombus formation despite correct anticoagulation with heparin was recorded. This underlines the possibility of being able to perform a successful withdrawn into the right atrium of left atrial thrombi under ICE monitoring without any complication, preventing systemic embolic consequences.45 ICE imaging can also help to set temperature, impedance and power during RF delivery, due to the early detection of microbubbles resulting from overheating that can even precede increased impedance, thus allowing a prompt termination of RF delivery. This can prevent tissue damage and scar formationwhich can lead to pulmonary veins stenosis and perforation.46,21 Furthermore, this risk could be reduced by monitoring pulmonary vein ostial narrowing with Doppler color flow .47
Atrial-esophageal fistula is a rare but feared complication of AF catheter ablation. Esophagus canbe easily identified by ICE. Precise measurements of the distance between the endocardium of the posterior wall and the outer layers of the esophagus at the site of ablation can be obtained, in order to select the safest location for the ablation catheter tip.48 ICE can also be helpful in visualizing the location of luminal esophageal temperature probe, thus allowing its optimal placement , as close as possible to the ablation catheter, and performing a real-time monitoring of esophageal temperature.49
Figure 13. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) 2D image showing a large pericardial effusion (PE) surrounding the left ventricular wall.



ICE and New Technologies in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
In the last years new technologies in AF ablation have been developed in order to overcome some shortcomings associated with point to point ablation using a standard RF catheter.50 Balloon-based and multielectrode ablation catheters as well as remote navigation system have been developed in an attempt to perform PV isolation in a shorter time and with a minimum number of lesions, to standardize its completeness and steadiness and to partly obviate the need for manual dexterity.
Balloon-based catheter ablation systems allow PVI with a single or few shots of energy delivery and a minimum number of lesions.51,13 Currently balloon-based ablation systems allows to deliver different ablation sources such as cryothermal energy, laser, and high-frequency ultrasound.
ICE might be useful in cryo-ablation AF procedure –for the following reasons: to identify the relevant anatomic structures; to measure the PV ostium dimension in order to -choose the appropriate balloon size; to guide the placement and movement of the cryo-balloon catheter at the ostial and antral level of the PVs, thus improving both safety and efficacy.52,53 Using color Doppler information, the whole PV antrum can be visualized to optimize Doppler alignment for each PV during freezing and, -subsequently, the position of the cryoballoon can be optimized to occlude gaps during the freezing cycle, documented by a loss of Doppler-coded reflow to the left atrium (Figure 14). Furthermore color Doppler information can be used for real-time monitoring of the PV occlusion level to avoid a too distal PV occlusion and prevent ostial PV narrowing. The use of ICE in this setting has also proved to be associated with lower fluoroscopy, contrast and procedural time.54-55
A recent study has shown that the PV occlusion during cryo-ablation can be easily predicted by intracardiac saline echocontrastography. This approach has reduced procedural time, radiological exposure and contrast medium use.56
Figure 14. Pulmonary vein occlusion guided by angiography and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). Panel A: left anterior oblique fluoroscopic view showing the cryoballoon already inflated and placed in front of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). Angiography shows complete occlusion. Panel B: intracardiac echocardiographic view of the LSPV antrum, displaying the whole left atrial antrum and the PV itself, as well as the balloon that has been placed in front of it. Color Doppler shows the absence of reflow to the left atrium.



ICE can also be helpful in the setting of other types of balloon catheters. One study has evaluated the role of ICE combined with laser-balloon ablation in 27 dogs. ICE has proved to be useful for leak detection to avoid ineffective energy application.57 The laser-balloon ablation system (EAS, Cardiofocus) is a catheter equipped with an endoscopic probe to assist the visualization of balloon-tissue contact. This feature could render redundant the use of ICE, although in previous small studies and in our experience the endoscope and ICE are complementary for positioning of the balloon at the LA-PV junction and for monitoring complications58-60 (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Panel A: pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using the laser balloon technology. The laser balloon is inflated in the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). Panel B: endoscopic view shows LSPV antrum. Panel C: intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-derived 2D image of the left atrium with the Zonare technology. The laser balloon catheter can be visualized in the antrum of LSPV.



Another important issue represented by the tissue contact has been recently investigated: some Companies developed a reliable technology which can measure the contact force (CF) between the catheter tip and the target myocardium. Evidences from animal studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between CF and 2D ICE images of catheter tip/tissue contact.39 In our experience ICE is very useful to validate appropriate contact and good orientation of these new ablation catheters, to monitor in real time the catheter-tissue interface during RF delivery and also to reduce fluoroscopy time (Figure 16a,Figure 16b).
Figure 16a. Screen shot of the CARTO (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) electroanatomical mapping system. On the right, in the ICE 2-D image, the green colored electronic representation of the catheter tip in left atrial chamber shows no contact to endocardial tissue (also confirmed by low contact force in left panel.



Figure 16b. Screen shot of the CARTO (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) electroanatomical mapping system. On the right, in the ICE 2-D image, the green colored electronic representation of the catheter tip in left atrial chamber shows good contact to endocardial tissue. In the left panel high contact force confirmed good catheter tip-tissue contact.



Another method of tackling the challenge of the dexterity required for AF ablation is remote navigation. Remote navigation technologies (Sensei Hansen robotic system) use standard ablation catheter technologies and deliver them in a unique way. The system equipped with a force-sensing technology, appears to be limited when the catheter is not perpendicular to the tissue. In our experience, the use of ICE with remote navigation system is helpful to confirm the catheter tip-to-tissue contact, since the contact force in this case is estimated by a sensor installed in the robotic arm, and detecting the resistance of the cathetersheath (Figure 17).
Figure 17. Screen shot of the Sensei robotic navigation system (Hansen Medical, Mountain View, Calif.) with CARTO system (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) and the novel Smarttouch catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.). Bottom right panel, in the ICE 2-D image, the ablation catheter and circular mapping catheter can be visualized in the antrum of LIPV. Top right panel, a left anterior oblique fluoroscopic view of the SmartTouch catheter catheter guided by Sensei robotic navigation system in the left atrium. Multipolar circular mapping and coronary sinus catheters are also shown. Left panel, 3-D CT image view showing left pulmonary veins. Radiofrequency applications (small red circles) were deployed at the posterior aspect of the ostium of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV). The ablation catheter tip is positioned at the ridge of the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV). The intelisense force and smarthouch force in grams are similar.



New technologies are rapidly becoming available to simplify AF ablation by allowing energy delivery in a circumferential fashion around PV ostia. Multielectrode ablation catheters (MACs), which have an array of electrodes, allow the operator to deliver lesions throughout much of the circumference of each pulmonary vein during a single RF application. In this setting ICE could be used to properly position the MAC proximal to the anatomic PV ostia.61 The additional use of ICE with MAC is associated with significantly lower fluoroscopy duration and RF delivery time.61,62 Furthermore, a novel multielctrode irrigated ablation catheter (nMARQ Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, Cal) integrated with an electronatonical mapping system (CARTO 3 Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, Cal), is being evaluated in a multicenter study (Revolution, ClinicalTrials .gov: NCT01353586). In our personal experience the combination of this technology with ICE has provided additional criteria for choosing correct position of the circular catheter in relation to PV ostia and to critical structures i.e carina region or ridge. (Figure 18)
Figure 18. Panel A: screen shot of the CARTO electroanatomical mapping system showing the nMARQ circular catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, Calif.) in the antrum of the left pulmonary veins (LPVs). Panel B: anteroposterior fluoroscopic view with the nMARQ circular catheter in LPVs. Panel C: the intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-derived 2D image of the left atrium confirms the position of the multielectrode ablation catheter.



A final important mention has to be dedicated to novel approaches for stroke prevention in Pts with AF, i.e. the left atrial appendage occlusion devices, which have provided a huge impact in the management of Pts with conflicting clinical patterns concerning the anticoagulation management. The two main systems are: 1) Watchman (Boston Scientific; Natick MA) ; 2) Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (St Jude Inc.)
In both cases the International Guidelines as well as the recommendations of the Companies suggest the TEE-guidance as a gold standard technique for a correct device positioning63 even if also alternative approaches have been described.64Our personal experience (evaluation of ICE performance in parallel with TEE) indicate the ICE as a useful and effective tool for: detection of LAA morphology and dimension; exclusion of thrombi; device measure choice; identification of criteria for a correct positioning including absence of leak, stability during tug test and absence of interference with the mitral leaflets (Figure 19). It is likely that in Pts with major contraindications to TEE this technology could represent a valid alternativefor this promising approach to Pts with AF.
Figure 19. Panel A: right anterior oblique view shows placement of a percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) device closure (Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, AGA Medical, SJM). Panel B: three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography reconstruction of left atrium and LAA orifice after device positioning. Panel C: intracardiac echocardiography 2D image showing the device placed in LAA.



Conclusions
Based on a plenty of different applications, ICE is now a well-established technology in complex electrophysiological procedures, in particular in AF ablation. Catheter ablation has become very attractive and safe treatment modality with a potential benefit of definitive elimination of the arrhythmia. ICE contributes to improve the efficacy and safety of such procedures defining the anatomical structures involved in ablation procedures and monitoring in real time possible complications.
Disclosures
Dr. Di Biase is a consultant for Hansen Medical and Biosense Webster.
Dr. Tondo is a member of the advisory boards of Medtronic and Biotronik; and receives lecture fees from St. Jude Medical, Medtronic and Biotronik
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