The Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) to Guide LAA Closure

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion by percutaneous implantation of an occlusive device was shown to have encouraging results as an alternative to OAC therapy [1–18]. The use of imaging techniques is of great importance throughout all phases of the implantation procedure for LAA occlusion, specifically for LAA anatomy evaluation and procedural guidance. Intra-procedural imaging for LAA requires the ability to rule out thrombus, measure the size of the LAA ostium, landing zone, length, shape and number of lobes. It is also helpful to guide the transseptal puncture, sheath placement, device placement, and assess device stability, post-placement leak, and procedural complications [12, 17, 19].