Ultrasonic imaging system and method

A method of deploying an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter through a subclavian venous system for visualization during pacemaker lead placement, the method comprising:

• advancing a distal tip of the ICE catheter through a left subclavian vein, through a superior vena cava, and into a right atrium of a heart;
• articulating the distal tip using a steering control unit to position an ultrasonic transducer array at the distal tip to visualize an interior of the right atrium;
• advancing the ultrasonic transducer array through a tricuspid valve into a right ventricle;
• transmitting ultrasound beams from the ultrasonic transducer array to visualize structures within the right ventricle and to monitor placement of a right ventricular pacemaker lead at a ventricular myocardium interface;
• receiving echo signals from the ultrasonic transducer array;
• and generating real-time images of the right ventricle and the right ventricular pacemaker lead based on the echo signals.

An intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging system for visualizing cardiac structures and pacemaker leads, the system comprising:

• an ICE catheter having a distal end with an ultrasonic transducer array and a catheter shaft extending to a handle assembly at a proximal end;
• and a custom dongle comprising an interposer configured to couple with the handle assembly, wherein the interposer comprises board edge connectors and a plurality of pogo pins positioned to establish electrical connection with a flat circuit board in the handle assembly;
• and an imaging device configured to:
• direct the ultrasonic transducer array to transmit and receive ultrasound beams within a right atrium, a right ventricle, or both of a heart via electrical signals transmitted through the custom dongle and an electronic flex cable extending through the catheter shaft;
• receive signals from the ultrasonic transducer array representing echoes from cardiac structures including at least one of:
• an interatrial septum, a tricuspid valve, a superior vena cava, or a pacemaker lead positioned within the heart;
• and construct at least one image showing the cardiac structures and any pacemaker leads based on the received signals.