Current and future aspects of multimodal and fusion imaging in structural and coronary heart disease

The procedural success of cardiovascular and structural interventions depends on adequate pre- and intraprocedural imaging. Multimodal imaging utilizing several techniques provides added value in terms of procedural planning and efficacy by combining the individual strength of each imaging modalities. Recently, fusion imaging as combined “hybrid” procedure of several imaging modalities has gained some attention. The major advantage consists in the optimized multi-dimensional view with an excellent spatial resolution and anatomic orientation. The so often called “anatomical intelligence” already gives prospects towards heart model-derived heart valve construction and individual anatomic conformation. However, hybrid fusion imaging has the potential to increase safety, accuracy, and procedural effectiveness in interventional cardiology.