IVUS guidance of XXXX stent-graft repairs using an intracardiac echocardiography probe: preliminary report.

@entity1 @entity691 @entity1514 @entity2334 @entity1028
PURPOSE: To report our learning experience using an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) probe to guide endovascular aortic procedures. METHODS: Between November 1999 and July 2001, 17 @entity1 (12 @entity1 ; mean age 73.1+/-2.3 years) underwent endovascular repair of 9 @entity2334 . The most suitable dimensions and configuration of the stent-graft were based on preoperative computed tomographic (CTA) or magnetic resonance (MRA) angiography. Intraoperative intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging was obtained using a 9-F, 9-MHz ICE probe, 110 cm in length, inserted through a 10-F, 55 degrees precurved long @entity691 sheath. RESULTS: The endografts were deployed as planned by CTA or MRA. Before stent-graft deployment, interrogation with the ICE probe visualized the aortic arch and descending thoracoabdominal aorta without position-related artefacts and identified the sites of stent-graft fixation. After stent-graft deployment, visualization with the ICE probe detected the need for additional procedures in 8 @entity1 , including 2 incompletely expanded @entity1514 grafts, which were treated with adjunctive balloon angioplasty. In 1 @entity1 , ICE probe interrogation determined that the lesion was inappropriate for endovascular exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: ICE probe interrogation provides accurate information on the anatomy of @entity1514 and @entity1028 and allows rapid identification of attachment sites and stent-graft characteristics. It might be considered as a valid imaging modality for monitoring all phases of endovascular procedures.
