MitraClip Implantation Guided by Volumetric Intracardiac Echocardiography: Technique and Feasibility in Patients Intolerant to Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echo (TEE) guidance is essential for successful MitraClip implantation. In patients intolerant to TEE, options are limited. Three patients, with contraindications to TEE, underwent MitraClip implantation using volumetric intracardiac echo (vICE). All patients had severe symptomatic degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and had successful implantation of at least one clip with reduction of MR to <= 2+ maintained at 30d follow-up. All patients had improvement in functional status without any adverse clinical, clip, or vICE related events. We discuss in detail the technical considerations and limitations to performing the MitraClip procedure with vICE guidance. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Transesophageal echo (TEE) guidance is crucial for successful MitraClip implantation, but for patients intolerant to TEE, volumetric intracardiac echo (vICE) can be a feasible alternative. This study found that in patients contraindicated for TEE, MitraClip implantation guided by vICE can achieve successful and safe outcomes.