Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Echocardiographer-Led Combined Transjugular Intracardiac Echocardiography and Transesophageal Echocardiography for
Alexa L Grudzinski1, Adam Dryden1, Marino Labinaz2
1Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Objectives:
To describe the advantages of an echocardiographer-led workflow combining transjugular intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance for tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.
Key Steps:
Ultrasound-guided right internal jugular access was obtained for sterile ICE catheter insertion. Intraprocedural imaging was directed entirely by the echocardiographer from the head of the bed, with side-by-side transjugular ICE and TEE probe control within a single ergonomic workspace. This configuration optimizes ergonomics and streamlines workflow while allowing the interventionalist to focus solely on device implantation.
Potential Pitfalls:
Careful attention is required to minimize transjugular access-site hematoma and infection. Safe transjugular ICE manipulation requires continuous fluoroscopic and TEE guidance. Effective workflow integration requires advanced intraprocedural imaging expertise.
Take-Home Message:
Transjugular ICE complements TEE to enhance imaging synergy, improve ergonomics, and streamline workflow during tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, with potential to improve efficiency and procedural success.
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