3D Echocardiogram, Intra Cardiac Echocardiogram (ICE) and Intra Vascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

This chapter deals with the new developments in the use of Ultrasound for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. The 3D Echocardiogram gives images not only in 3 dimensions but also very close to the normal anatomy of the Heart. The advancement of 3D Echocardiogram is achieved by the use of Matrix Array Trans Thoracic Transducers, accompanied by advanced Digital Processing and image formation algorithms. The use of 3D Echocardiogram in identifying pathology is discussed in detail in this chapter, including the modes, the ways to optimize the image and the best mode for the different pathological conditions. The role of 2D Echocardiogram will still remain with 3D complementing the findings and increasing accuracy. This is followed by a discussion of Intra Cardiac Echocardiogram and its role in Intra Cardiac procedures like TAVR, Ampletzer Device placement etc. The role of Intra Cardiac Echocardiogram for diagnostic purposes is limited. The chapter ends with the Intra Vascular Ultra Sound and its usefulness in procedures like plaque assessment, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, stent placement etc. After reading this chapter, the reader will be comfortable in building up his knowledge in these new inventions and techniques.