Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Intracardiac Ultrasound
Why is the doctor performing this test?
To view the inner lining of the heart, including the heart valves. Intracardiac Ultrasound allows detailed evaluation of the inner surface of the heart and valves to determine if there is abnormal anatomy, vegetation (infection), or any abnormalities of the inner lining of the heart. Sometimes Intracardiac Ultrasound is used during other cardiovascular procedures (such as Pulmonary Vein Ablation or Atrial Septal Closures) to provide constant monitoring of the heart structures and pulmonary blood flow throughout the procedure.
What is the test?
Intracardiac Ultrasound is an invasive diagnostic test using a catheter with a sound transducer (or sound probe) on the end. The catheter is threaded thru the vein in the groin and up into the heart. High-frequency sound waves are used to create precise images of the interior heart surface. The catheter with the ultrasound tip attached is carefully removed, and then pressure is applied over the groin area to stop any bleeding.
Where is the test performed?
In the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
How long does this test take?
Intracardiac Ultrasound usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Stress Test
- Nuclear Stress Tests
- Stress Echocardiogram
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Dobutamine Stress Echo
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
- Intracardiac Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scan)
- MRI/MRA
- Aortagram
- Event Recorder
- Holter Monitoring
- Pulmonary Angiography
- Peripheral Vascular Angiography
- Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (SAECG)
- Tilt Table
