ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: We sought to provide a practical educational tool for the utilization of intracardiac echography (ICE) in the left atrium for the percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA). BACKGROUND: Although transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the gold-standard imaging technique for LAA closure, ICE is stepping in to support noncoronary cardiology interventions by improving workflow and case turnover and may be more adequate for frail patients with significant and multiple comorbidities. METHODS: This article discusses the utility of ICE for LAA closure, its advantages compared to TEE, contraindications to TEE use and offers an extensive illustration of the main steps of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ICE in the left atrium allows a feasible guidance of all steps of the percutaneous closure of LAA.
