Cardiac-gated imaging techniques are medical diagnostic procedures that involve synchronizing the acquisition of data to the electrical activity of the heart, typically the R-wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG). This allows for the capture of images during specific phases of the cardiac cycle, reducing motion artifacts and improving image quality. These techniques are commonly used in various imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine studies to assess cardiovascular anatomy, function, and perfusion.

"Cardiac-gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique used to evaluate cardiac function and structure. In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's bloodstream and absorbed by their heart tissue. A specialized gamma camera then captures multiple images of the heart from different angles as it beats, with data acquisition being "gated" to coincide with specific phases of the cardiac cycle. These images are reconstructed to create 3D representations of the heart's blood flow and motion, allowing for the detection and evaluation of various cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure."