The field of structural heart disease (SHD) interventions is rapidly expanding, driven by innovations in device technology, advancements in imaging techniques, and the growing expertise of specialized teams. Concurrently, the demand for minimally invasive procedural imaging is increasing with the introduction of new transcatheter therapies for tricuspid regurgitation and the rising adoption of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for stroke prevention.
Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been used by physicians for decades to guide catheter-based procedures. However, its application in complex valvular interventions was previously limited due to hardware and software constraints. While transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) remains a staple for guiding transcatheter SHD interventions, several factors are driving a greater role for physician-led intraprocedural ICE imaging. Distorted cardiac anatomy, intracardiac shadowing, and the esophagus's position relative to cardiac structures can restrict TEE imaging windows, necessitating the use of ICE for better visualization.
Additionally, the shift towards minimally invasive transcatheter procedures has led medical teams and patients to prefer avoiding general anesthesia and intubation, typically required for TEE.
Accreditation StatementThe Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit DesignationSCAI designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABIM MOCSuccessful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 1.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Successful CompletionWatch the content and complete the evaluation to obtain credit. Activity TimelinePublish date: 9/30/2025Expiration date: 9/30/2028