Cardiac Imaging (Heart Imaging)

Techniques of imaging the heart (cardiac imaging):

PD Patric Biaggi, MD - Cardiology Imaging - HerzKlinik Hirslanden

Imaging of the heart (cardiac imaging) is essential for making a diagnosis.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is still the most important pillar in the detection of heart valve problems. The 3D technology allows a more precise description of heart valves as well as their diseases. In particular, the 3D swallow echo examination (transesophageal echocardiography) provides detailed and 'live' information about the complex anatomy of the heart valves on the beating heart.

Computed tomography of the heart

Computed tomography of the heart (cardio-CT) has established itself as a complement to echocardiography in selected cases. Particularly in the case of calcified heart valves, it enables millimetre-precise measurements and intervention/surgery planning (selection of heart valve prosthesis size and type, access routes) thanks to its high spatial resolution. By means of CT angiography of the coronary vessels (coro-CT), deposits and constrictions of the heart blood vessels can also be detected and measured.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart (cardio-MRI) is used to assess the structure of the heart muscle even more precisely. Cardio-MRI is an indispensable diagnostic tool for inflammatory diseases of the heart (myocarditis) or even unclear heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathies). Furthermore, the cardio-MRI is excellently suited for the examination of a sufficient blood supply of the heart muscle under stress and for the representation of measurement and scar tissue (e.g. after myocardial infarction).

Interventional cardiac imaging

In addition to diagnostic cardiac imaging, interventional cardiac imaging has been playing an important role for several years and increasingly so, especially in the case of valvular heart disease. In most cases, 3D transesophageal echocardiography is used. Percutaneous mitral or tricuspid valve reconstruction (catheter interventions on the beating heart without a direct view of the affected area) have only become possible at all thanks to this modern technology, as it virtually defines the map and the path for interventionalists.

HerzKlinik develops and uses the latest fusion techniques, in which 'live' echocardiography images are fused with X-ray technology. This increases the precision and safety of highly complex interventions and in some cases shortens the intervention time.