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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
[Multimodality imaging in the cardiac catheterization laboratory]
Karine Warin-Fresse1, Sébastien Hascoet2, Patrice Guérin1
1M3C CHU de Nantes, hôpital G.-et-R.-Laënnec, l'institut du thorax, unité d'hémodynamique, fédération des cardiopathies congénitales, boulevard Jacques-Monod, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France.
Insights
Image fusion combines multiple imaging techniques to enhance visualization during cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease (CHD) management. This improves the understanding of cardiac anatomy and aids interventional cardiologists.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiac catheterization has significantly advanced congenital heart disease (CHD) management, evolving from diagnostic use to interventional procedures.
- Interventional cardiology techniques like PDA and ASD closure, pulmonary dilatation, and valve implantation have become crucial for treating CHD.
- The progress in interventional cardiology is closely linked to advancements in imaging technologies such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, and CT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application and benefits of image fusion in cardiac catheterization.
- To enhance the visualization of cardiac structures, lesions, and devices for interventional cardiologists.
Main Methods:
- Image fusion involves superimposing multiple imaging modalities.
- Techniques include combining real-time fluoroscopy with offline slice imaging (MRI/CT).
- Simultaneous fusion of real-time fluoroscopy with ultrasound imaging is also employed.
Main Results:
- Image fusion aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the heart and surrounding structures.
- This integrated imaging approach assists interventional cardiologists in complex procedures.
- Improved visualization aids in accurate navigation and device placement during interventions.
Conclusions:
- Image fusion represents a significant development in cardiac catheterization.
- By integrating various imaging techniques, it enhances the understanding and management of congenital heart diseases.
- This technology supports interventional cardiologists in performing procedures more effectively.
Abstract:
Cardiac catheterization has greatly contributed to the progress made in the management of congenital heart diseases (CHD). Initially used in diagnosis, it allowed the understanding of heart diseases, their anatomy and hemodynamics. Gradually, the development of interventional cardiology has played a major role in the management of these malformations (Patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] and atrial septal defect [ASD] closure, pulmonary dilatation, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation…). The development of such technology was made possible through the concomitant development of imaging techniques: fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRI and CT. Imaging should provide an accurate view of the lesions, the surrounding cardiac structures, as well as medical devices and catheters used. Here we address the field of fusion images. The principle of image fusion is based on the association by superposition of several imaging techniques: real-time fluoroscopy and slice imaging performed offline, or ultrasound imaging performed simultaneously. The goal is to improve the overall view of the organ, its surrounding structures and as the consequence to help the interventional cardiologist.
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