Intracardiac Echocardiographic Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is an excellent ultrasound modality that can be used to guide atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Compared with transesophageal echocardiography, ICE offers better imaging of the posterior inferior septum, it does not require deep or general anesthesia, and it allows the operator total control over image acquisition. This latter advantage requires that the operator become an expert in image acquisition and interpretation. The following is intended to serve as a primer on performance and interpretation of ICE to guide ASD closure.