New Guide for Evaluation of Cardiovascular Device Echogenicity
1. Scope
Qualitative and quantitative methods of assessing the echogenic profile of Cardiovascular Devices when viewed using Ultrasound Imaging. Ultrasound Imaging modalities covered by this guidance include Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), Inter-Cardiac Echocardiogram (ICE), Intervascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE).
Keywords
Ultrasound; Echogenicity; Medical Imaging; TEE; ICE; IVUS; TTE
Rationale
Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used for structural heart and endovascular procedures. Device echogenicity directly impacts device visibility against anatomy, confidence in positioning and procedure time and complication rates. Current practice is primarily qualitative with poor repeatability and reproducibility.