Intra-operative cardiac imaging modalities during catheter ablation procedures

Abstract

There are numerous imaging modalities that are used to image the heart. This review describes each modality, categorizes it according to its use in cardiac catheter ablation procedures, and then compares them. It also discusses various combinations of modalities. Although many of the modalities can be combined to produce a sharp image, there is no consensus regarding the success rate and the complications of the executed interventions with a single or with multiple imaging modalities. Therefore, it is hard to choose the most beneficial modality or combination of modalities. Moreover, many research studies that were included in the literature search stressed the need for the reduction of radiation due to the use of X-ray and fluoroscopy. A potential future study that may improve cardiac ablation procedures is to improve feedback by achieving real-time cardiac voltage information. This might lead to fewer cardiac ablation scars, which leads to shorter procedure times.