See Inside the Heart. Directly.
DICI™ — Direct Intra-Cardiac Imaging — is a patented investigational catheter invented, patented, and developed by John J. Cai, MD and his team, designed to deliver real-time optical visualization from inside the heart, potentially offering superior imaging at a fraction of the cost of current intracardiac echocardiography.
Direct. Real-Time. Inside the Heart.
Invented, patented, and developed by John J. Cai, MD and his team — Dr.Cai, a cardiac electrophysiologist with over 35 years of clinical and research expertise in cardiac electrophysiology, including more than 25 years in complex AF ablation, VT ablation, advanced pacing, and structural heart procedures — DICI addresses a gap no existing technology has solved: physicians still cannot directly see the cardiac structures they are treating. The DICI catheter places an optical imaging catheter inside the heart through a preparatory technology, deliver clear, real-time optical images of tissue during live procedures.
DICI is an investigational device. Not yet FDA cleared or approved. Not available for commercial clinical use.
A Potential 4D ICE Alternative — at a Fraction of the Cost
Current Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheters provide reconstructed ultrasound representations of cardiac structures. DICI is designed to go further — delivering direct optical imaging that may represent a true 4D ICE capability with potentially superior real-world visualization and significantly lower cost per procedure.
DICI is an investigational device. Not yet FDA cleared or approved. Not available for commercial clinical use. All comparisons are based on design intent and development goals.
A New Standard in Cardiac Visualization
The DICI system combines a disposable imaging catheter, a transparent balloon tip, a steerable outer catheter, and a live video display — designed as a practical, lower-cost imaging tool that integrates into existing cardiac procedure workflows without replacing current modalities.
Built for the Demands of Modern Cardiac Intervention
Direct Optical Visualization
DICI™ enables real-time, direct optical visualization of intracardiac anatomy and device–tissue interaction, providing physicians with a unique view from within the heart that complements existing intracardiac imaging technologies.
True 4D ICE Potential
Designed to potentially represent a true 4D intracardiac imaging capability, enabling richer spatial understanding of cardiac anatomy during complex procedures.
Complex EP Ablation Support
May allow real-time observation of catheter contact and tissue changes during complex AF and VT ablation — including endocardial and epicardial approaches.
Advanced Pacing & Leadless Implant
Designed to assist with CRT implantation, His bundle pacing, and leadless pacemaker procedures by providing direct visualization of implant site and tissue contact.
Structural Heart Procedures
Supports valvular replacement and repair, Watchman LAA closure, and transseptal puncture with direct intracardiac imaging guidance.
Cost-Effective Workflow Integration
Designed as a practical complement to existing imaging modalities at a fraction of the cost of current ICE catheters, without disrupting established procedure workflows.
Understand the DICI System
Access comprehensive resources on the DICI imaging catheter — including procedure guides, clinical use cases, and training materials developed for interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists.
Explore Clinical Resources
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