Image-guided percutaneous revascularization of the coronary arteries

The European Society of Cardiology recently updated guidelines on the management of chronic coronary syndromes upgrading the use of intracoronary imaging for complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to a class 1A recommendation. It is essential that the interventional community appreciate the additive value of intracoronary imaging over angiography alone-not only to obtain optimal acute PCI results but also to improve longer-term cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the latest evidence that informed the recent guideline recommendations and expand on the specific role of the different imaging modalities before, during, and after PCI.