An intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) is a test that bounces high-frequency sound waves off the inside of the heart. These waves form a picture of the inner surface and valves of the heart.
An intracardiac echocardiogram is done to check for problems with the heart valves or inner lining of the heart. For example, it may done to look for infection or valve structures that are not normal. It may also be done during blood vessel or heart surgery to keep a constant check on the structures of the heart and blood flow to the lung. It may be used to help position catheters in the heart during tests to treat heart rhythm problems or to close holes in the heart.
Before the test, your healthcare provider will want to know what medicines you are taking. If you are taking daily aspirin for a medical condition, ask your provider if you need to stop taking it before your test.
Talk with your healthcare provider about what medicines you should take before the test. Your provider may prescribe medicine to prevent blood clots from forming during the test.
Tell your provider if you have had any kidney problems or reactions to iodine-containing foods, such as seafood, or chemicals, such as X-ray contrast dye.
Follow the instructions your healthcare provider gives you. Eat a light meal the night before the test. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the test. If you have diabetes, your provider may give you special instructions about your diabetic medicine.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the test.
This test is usually done at the hospital.
Before the test you will be given medicine to help you relax, but you will be awake during the test. You will also be given a shot of anesthetic to numb the area where a catheter will be inserted.
Your healthcare provider will put a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter through your skin and into a vein in your groin, arm, or neck. The catheter has a probe at its tip that bounces high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off the inside of your heart. Your provider will guide the catheter to your heart. When the probe is in the right place, ultrasound waves are used to make pictures of the inside of the heart. The pictures will be recorded.
At the end of the test, your healthcare provider will remove the catheter and put pressure on the area where the catheter was inserted (the puncture site) to control any bleeding. The test usually takes about an hour.
After the test you may stay in an observation area for at least a few hours to make sure the puncture site is not bleeding. Avoid any strenuous activity for the rest of the day to prevent bleeding. You may have a bruise near the puncture site and be uncomfortable for a few days.
Ask your healthcare provider how to take care of yourself at home. Ask about what symptoms to watch for, and what precautions you should take. Ask how and when you should expect to hear your test results. Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.
The pictures made with this test may show disease that is harder to see with other tests. Your healthcare provider may use this information to decide what treatment may be best for you.
The views of the inside of the heart can also be helpful during some surgical tests.
Possible risks include:
Talk to your provider for complete information about how the risks apply to you.
Call your provider right away if:
Call during office hours if:
