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ICE Catheter as Transesophageal Probe in Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing an Electrophysiology Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is conventionally used as an endovascular imaging modality during electrophysiology procedures. Reports of transesophageal ICE are limited and have not included pediatric electrophysiology procedures. CASE SUMMARY: We report the first case series of transesophageal ICE (NuVision NAV) in 6 infants and young children with congenital heart disease undergoing electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation. Indications included preoperative conduction mapping and clinical arrhythmias. DISCUSSION: Transesophageal placement preserves the imaging advantages of ICE while avoiding large-bore venous access in small children without compromising image quality. The technique facilitates electroanatomic mapping by providing accurate delineation of the atrioventricular annulus in patients with complex congenital heart disease. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Transesophageal ICE with four-dimensional multiplanar imaging provides high-quality real-time anatomical guidance for electrophysiology procedures in infants and young children with complex congenital heart disease and may offer a practical alternative to intravascular ICE when large-bore venous access is undesirable.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.109907

Authors: David Bienjonetti-Boudreau, Jonathan Smerling, Shankar Baskar, David S. Spar, Richard J. Czosek, Chad Connor

Institution: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850