HYGEIA introduces for the first time in Greece, the four-dimensional endocardial ultrasound

26 February 2024

For the first time in Greece, transcatheter cardiac interventions were successfully carried out at HYGEIA with the use of 3D and real-time endocardial imaging, i.e. 4D-ICE technology, using a special SIEMENS ultrasound system.

The interventions were performed at the Transcatheter Heart Valves Department by Mr. Michael Chrissoheris, Deputy Director and Mr. Konstantinos Spargias, Director of the Department, placing our country among the first in the world to apply this innovative method.

This is the state-of-the-art international imaging method for the more accurate performance of transcatheter interventions for structural heart disease, such as percutaneous valve replacement, valve repair with clips and the closure of endocardial holes. This innovative imaging technology is currently available and applied only in a few selected centers of excellence.

In particular, 4D-ICE technology overcomes the limitations of existing imaging modalities, improves the guidance and therefore the results of these procedures and is perfectly safe to use. By using a special catheter inserted inside the heart through a vein, 3D imaging, monitoring and guidance of all stages of the surgery as it progresses is possible. This achieves even greater precision for an excellent therapeutic result. At the same time, it allows for transcatheter surgery in patients who previously did not have adequate imaging.

In a statement, Mr. Michael Chrissoheris, Deputy Director of the Transcatheter Heart Valves Department at HYGEIA said: “We are excited about this pioneering application of a new technology, which was first performed in our country by our Department. In the future, this technology paves the way for structural heart disease repairs without the need for general anesthesia and with an even shorter hospital stay.“