Arrhythmia rejection is a method to reject irregular RR intervals (time duration between two consecutive R waves of the electrocardiogram) in cardiac gating during cardiovascular imaging and to improve the image quality, whereby the cardiac frequency is used as the basis of the normal heart rate. The RR interval window determines the percentage variation of the heart rate. Variations of the acquired data outside the window are rejected and not used in the image reconstruction. Also one interval after the arrhythmic beat will be rejected. Arrhythmia rejection may be inappropriate for patients with certain pathologies, because if the RR interval is constant long, short, long, - all intervals would be rejected.

(CTA) A computed tomographic angiography or computerized tomography angiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that combines conventional CT technique with that of traditional angiography to create images of the blood vessels in the body - from brain vessels to arteries of the lungs, kidneys, arms and legs.
High resolution CT scans with thin slices and intravenous injection of iodinated contrast material provide detailed images of vascular anatomy and the adjacent bony structures. CTA requires rapid scanning as the imaging data are typically acquired during the first pass of a bolus of contrast medium. The selection of acquisition timing is important to optimize the contrast enhancement, which is dependent on contrast injection methods, imaging techniques and patient variations in weight, age and health. CT angiography is less invasive compared to conventional angiography and the data can be rendered in three dimensions.

CTA techniques are commonly used to:
See also Cardiovascular Imaging, Magnetic Resonance Angiography MRA, Coronary Angiogram, Computed Tomography Dose Index and Computed or Computerized Axial Tomography.

Fluoroscopy is used to study moving body structures in real time. A fluoroscope is used to produce a continuous (advanced fluoroscopy machines provide pulsed techniques to lower the amount of radiation) x-ray beam, passing through the body part being examined and transmitted to a monitor so that dynamic images of deep tissue structures can be visualized. Fluoroscopy is primarily used for gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary studies, cardiovascular imaging and for invasive procedures performed by interventional radiologists and angiographers under fluoroscopic guidance. Fluoroscopy can also produce a static record of an image formed on the output phosphor of an image intensifier. The image intensifier is an x-ray image receptor that increases the brightness of a fluoroscopic image by electronic amplification and image minification. Modern fluoroscopy systems combine less radiation with better image quality due to digital image processing and flat-panel technology.
Roentgen's discovery of x-rays related directly to fluoroscopy, because fluorescence on the material in the room draws his attention to the x-ray's properties. In 1896, Thomas A. Edison created the first fluoroscope, consisting of a zinc-cadmium sulfide screen that was placed above the patient's body in the x-ray beam and provides a faint fluorescent image. In first-generation units, the exam room required complete darkness. The users wear red goggles for up to 30 minutes prior to the examination, to adapt the eyes to darkness. After this, the radiologist stared directly at a yellow-green fluorescent image through a sheet of lead to prevent the x-ray beam from striking the eyes.

Nuclear cardiology has a wide range of techniques that permit the accurate assessment of perfusion, metabolism, sympathetic innervation, and mechanical function of the heart.

Scintigraphic techniques of the heart include:
See also Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging.

N1177 is the codename for a nanoparticulate contrast agent under development. N1177 is tested to improve the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose cardiovascular diseases and cancers. N1177 is water insoluble, has an iodine concentration of 67 mg/mL and interacts with activated macrophages. The provider is Nanoscan Imaging, Lansdale, PA.