Fetal echocardiography remains the primary modality for evaluating the fetal heart, largely due to the widespread availability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound.1 As imaging technology has advanced, several complementary tools have emerged to enhance image acquisition and interpretation, enabling more detailed assessment of both normal fetal cardiac anatomy and congenital heart disease. Among these innovations, spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) has become particularly valuable. STIC technology enables the acquisition of three-dimensional (3D) fetal cardiac volumes over multiple cardiac cycles, reconstructing a synchronized cine loop that facilitates consistent visualization even in cases of complex anomalies.2 The ability to segment these volumetric datasets has expanded their utility beyond traditional imaging. STIC-derived 3D volumes can be used to generate physical 3D-printed cardiac models or integrated into immersive metaverse environments. These virtual platforms allow for comprehensive and interactive exploration of fetal cardiac structures, offering an enriched educational experience for students, trainees, and clinicians. By providing access to detailed anatomical reconstructions through computers or mobile devices, virtual environments democratize learning opportunities and enable participation in case discussions with a level of anatomical detail that would otherwise be difficult to achieve in real time, especially for those living far from reference centers.3 The evolution of ultrasound technology, combined with the portability of digital datasets, has also transformed clinical vinteraction. High-quality fetal cardiac volumes can now be acquired in virtually anywhere and exported for remote analysis by specialists in congenital heart disease. These cases can then be reviewed collectively in metaverse-based virtual rooms, where clinicians, students, and even families can interact with the 3D models from their homes or workplaces. This approach enhances communication, facilitates multidisciplinary decision-making, and supports more inclusive patient counseling.2 Beyond academic and diagnostic applications, metaverse platforms offer significant benefits for patient and family education. In the context of fetal congenital heart disease, immersive visualization helps parents better understand the complexity of cardiac malformations, enabling more informed decision-making regarding prenatal and postnatal management. Surgeons may also benefit from these virtual environments, using detailed 3D models to study individual cases, evaluate, and discuss potential surgical strategies before the actual procedure4 Figure 1.Figure 1: (a) This image illustrates a fetal heart being manipulated within a metaverse environment, while two physicians use immersive glasses that provide access to the virtual room. (b) This image depicts a metaverse-based meeting focused on discussing an aneurysm of a fetal heartTogether, advances in STIC-based 3D ultrasound and the expanding capabilities of the metaverse are reshaping the landscape of fetal cardiology. These technologies enhance diagnostic precision, improve educational access, and strengthen communication among clinicians and families, ultimately contributing to more informed and collaborative care. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Leite et al. (Sun,) studied this question.