Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

3D imaging in cardiology is a novel source of information, offering three-dimensional visualization of the heart and vasculature which is more accurate than the conclusions drawn from a two-dimensional image. The information gleaned through 3D imaging enhances the diagnosis, procedural planning, and guidance for interventional procedures with regards those diagnosis. It provides clinicians with a more detailed mental model of cardiac structures to improve the conventional system used to facilitate clinical decision-making.

The main 3D imaging modalities are as follows:

3D Echocardiography: Cardiac chambers, valves, and blood flow can be visualized in real-time while allowing for accurate assessment of valve morphology, regurgitation, and congenital heart defects.

3D CT Imaging: The methodology provides a high-quality image of the coronary arteries, aorta, and structural heart anatomy which is necessary for pre-procedural planning of some interventions, such as TAVR and coronary stenting.

3D Cardiac MRI: This provides precise assessment of myocardial tissue, functional analysis, and quantitation of ventricular volumes which assist in categorizing presentation to the clinician of cardiomyopathy and ischemic injury diagnosis, and congenital defects.

Clinical applications can include: structural heart interventions, valve repair and or replacement, congenital defect assessment, coronary artery mapping, and preoperative surgical planning. The 3D imaging modality allows exact measurements, visualizes complex anatomy, and provides proxies for simulation interventional strategies which allows for procedural risks to be mitigated.

Benefits include: improved spatial orientation, improved accuracy during procedures, reduces risk and complications, communication and collaboration tools for multidisciplinary heart teams. In addition, there is real-time catheter-based procedural intervention integration which has, quite possibly, make 3D imaging a necessity in the minimally invasive and structural heart interventional space.