The role of CT in planning percutaneous structural heart interventions: Where to measure and why

• Published in: Clinical imaging 2021-08, Vol.76, p.247-264
• Main Authors: Revels, Jonathan W., Wang, Sherry S., Gharai, Leila R., Febbo, Jennifer, Fadl, Shaimaa, Bastawrous, Sarah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiac; Complications; Computed tomography; Coronary vessels; FDA approval; Heart; Heart valve; Image resolution; Morbidity; Mortality; Patients; Prostheses; Radiation; Regulatory approval; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 0899-7071; 1873-4499
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.04.029

As research continues to demonstrate successes in the use of percutaneous trans-vascular techniques in structural heart intervention, both the subspecialty trained and non-subspecialty trained cardiac imager find themselves performing and reporting larger amounts of information regarding cardiovascular findings. It is therefore imperative that the imager gains understanding and appreciation for how these various measurements are obtained, as well as their implication in a patient's care. Cardiac gated computed tomography (CT) has solidified its role and ability at providing high resolution images that can be used to obtain the key measurements used in structural heart intervention planning. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of what measurements are necessary to report when interpreting CT examinations purposed for structural heart intervention. This includes a review on indications and brief discussion on complications related to these procedures. •Percutaneous structural heart interventions continue to increase owing to their less invasive approach compared to surgery•Cardiac imagers should be familiar with indications for percutaneous structural heart inventions•Understanding where and why key pre-procedural CT measurements are obtained gives cardiac imagers greater insight into our role in the care of these patients