ABSTRACT
Currently, several modalities exist for imaging the heart and the cardiovascular system. Since all modalities have their inherent advantages and disadvantages, the choice of imaging tool dictates the type of information obtained, its quality, and its accuracy. A general cardiac survey, in which only gross data are required, may be accomplished with an imaging modality of relatively low accuracy, recognizing the need to balance the information obtained with the machine’s capabilities, expense and the time available. In today’s environment, time and expense dominate the choice of modality. The obligate tradeoff is that time and expense are traded with accuracy and reproducibility, thus the acquired data are typically of lower than optimal caliber. Ideally, there would exist an amalgam in which little compromise was required; such a device would have attributes of speed, accuracy, and reproducibility, all at an acceptable cost. Cost calculations are complicated by the fact that they are not simply limited to performance of the examination. Often costs are tied in with accurate diagnosis which results in reduced resource utilization and eliminates the need for further evaluation by treating the correct disease process. In the long run, a more accurate diagnostic modality, though expensive up-front, may be more cost effective than seemingly less expensive alternatives (1).
