ABSTRACT
The ideal image of the heart would be a transparent, beating, three-dimensional model. There should be a clear display of anatomical connections, myocardial and valvular function and coronary artery perfusion. Pulmonary blood flow should be displayed and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) measurable. The status of the aorta and arch vessels should be visible and vascular compliance measurable. All this information can be obtained but only at the cost of progressively more expensive and invasive imaging technology. Therefore a cardiac surgeon has to be well versed in the efficient application of the imaging process.
