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Cardiac catheterization procedures for patients with congenital and structural heart disease are becoming more complex. New imaging strategies involving integration of 3-dimensional images from rotational angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are employed to facilitate these procedures. We discuss the current use of these new 3D imaging technologies and their advantages and challenges when used to guide complex diagnostic and interventional catheterization procedures in patients with congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety and efficacy of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is determined by several variables, including defect size, presence of adequate rim tissue, relationship to other cardiac structures, and associated congenital anomalies. Objective: We sought to determine the accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in predicting a defect’s size compared with pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to the current “gold standard” balloon sizing by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients referred for possible percutaneous closure of suspected secundum ASD were evaluated with gated multislice CTA after initial TEE screening. Axial and sagittal image planes of the ASD from the CTA multiplanar reformation (MPR) images were used to measure the defect size and surface area. Results: Of the 35 patients with secundum-type ASDs, 5 subjects had disqualifying anatomy by CTA and 2 had an unsuccessful closure, resulting in a procedural success rate of 93%. Measurement of defect area by gated MPR images provided the strongest correlate to ICE balloon size. In large ASDs, TEE was less well correlated to the maximum defect size and identification of the inferior/inferoposterior rims than CTA. Conclusions: Cardiac CTA is an accurate and useful technique for pre-procedural assessment of ASDs and may be superior to conventional TEE in large defects that have deficient inferior rims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous interventions for structural heart disease are performed in a dynamic and complex environment that necessitates multiple imaging modalities to achieve procedural success. Structural interventions are routinely guided by two-dimensional (2D) modalities such as x-ray fluoroscopy, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and intracardiac echocardiography. Real time imaging with three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is a novel method of guidance to facilitate complex structural interventions with the promise of greater safety and efficacy. Real time 3D TEE (RT3D-TEE) affords the capability of imaging catheters and devices, the interventional objective, and adjacent structures simultaneously. We present an overview of RT3D-TEE and explore its functionality in structural heart interventions by using percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty as a model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous techniques to treat structural heart disease are rapidly evolving based on innovative interventions and the considerable advancement in image guidance technology. While two-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography have been integral to procedural planning and execution, intracardiac and three-dimensional echocardiography supply unique visualization of target structures with a potential improvement in patient safety and procedural efficacy. The choice of image guidance modality is based on specific differences between imaging systems, as well as other variables including cost, patient safety, operator expertise, and complexity of procedure. We will compare the adjunctive imaging tools for structural heart disease interventions, with a focus on intracardiac echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]