Multimodality imaging in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: a new era in sight

Multimodality imaging in the cardiac catheterization lab continues to develop with rapid advancements in the use of intracardiac echocardiography, 3D and multidetector computed tomography with fluoroscopic overlay to produce 3D images of intracardiac structures. The improvement in these imaging tools have coincided with innovation and procedural advancement in the field of interventional cardiology, especially with regard to structural and valvular cardiac interventions. As advances in transcatheter interventions continue and the availability of these procedures become more commonplace, an understanding of the various imaging modalities used in the interventional catheterization laboratory is important for practicing clinicians. In this article, we will discuss applications of the commonly used multimodality imaging resources in the contemporary cardiac catheterization laboratory, including 3D echocardiography, intracardiac echocardiography and CT:fluoroscopy overlay.