This pictorial review demonstrates the characteristic appearances of established and emerging cardiac implantable electronic and structural devices on chest radiography to aid accurate interpretation.
Implantable cardiac devices are increasingly used to manage cardiovascular conditions. Consequently, radiologists are more frequently encountering the ever-expanding range of both cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and cardiac implantable structural devices (CISDs) on chest radiography. Chest radiography remains a widely available, low-cost modality for confirming device presence and detecting complications such as gross malposition or migration. This pictorial review demonstrates the characteristic appearances of established and emerging CIEDs and CISDs on chest radiography, ranging from contemporary pacemakers and defibrillator systems to transcatheter valve prostheses and edge-to-edge repair implants. The aims and indications of these devices are discussed, with their radiographic appearances highlighted using posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographs, placing emphasis on typical positioning and distinguishing features. By demonstrating key radiographic features of these increasingly encountered implants, this review aims to enhance radiologist confidence in recognising modern cardiac devices and to support accurate, timely interpretation.
Fenske et al. (2026) conducted a review in Cardiovascular conditions requiring implantable cardiac devices. Chest radiography for CIEDs and CISDs was evaluated. This pictorial review demonstrates the characteristic appearances of established and emerging cardiac implantable electronic and structural devices on chest radiography to aid accurate interpretation.