The Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) has released a new episode of its CardioPODCAST series examining the state of intracoronary imaging in 2026. The episode, the nineteenth in the show's fifth season, was published on Saturday, 12 September 2026, according to the SEC.
Titled "Intracoronary imaging in 2026: from 1A in ESC guidelines to the OPTIMAL challenge," the episode traces the technique's trajectory from a top-tier recommendation in European Society of Cardiology guidelines to the open questions posed by the OPTIMAL trial. The SEC's summary frames the discussion around that contrast — a Class 1A guideline standing on one side and the OPTIMAL challenge on the other.
Intracoronary imaging refers to techniques used inside the coronary arteries to give clinicians a detailed view of vessel anatomy and stent placement during procedures. The 1A designation is the strongest recommendation level in ESC guideline frameworks, indicating that a treatment or diagnostic approach is backed by evidence and expert consensus. The OPTIMAL trial, referenced in the episode title, represents the unresolved debate the SEC highlights in its discussion of where the field stands this year.
The SEC released only a headline and brief summary for the episode, with no full article text available.
Listeners and clinicians following the guideline-versus-trial question can look to the SEC's CardioPODCAST feed for the full episode, and to future ESC guidance for how the OPTIMAL findings may shape recommendations on intracoronary imaging.
