Greeting from the President of FRIENDS Live 2026

It is my great pleasure to announce that the 11th FRIENDS Live 2026 will be held in January 2026, in conjunction with the 36th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics, under the presidency of Professor Sadahiro Morino (Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Iwate Medical University).
The theme for this year’s conference is:
“The Coming of the Two-Fisted Era: Fusion of Diagnostic Imaging and Physiology.”

FRIENDS Live was first launched in 2016 as a platform to explore real-world clinical practice and the latest evidence through live demonstrations and lectures, with a focus on functional myocardial ischemia. Over the past decade, the scope of physiology in cardiovascular medicine has expanded significantly—from its initial use in diagnosing ischemia to now playing a vital role in predicting future cardiovascular events. We have come to understand that such predictions are closely linked not only to plaque characteristics identified through imaging, but also to mechanical stress assessed through physiological evaluation. The fusion of imaging and physiology has led to the emergence of novel diagnostic techniques, such as FFR derived from anatomical data obtained through CT, coronary angiography, OCT, and IVUS. These innovations are rapidly being translated into daily clinical practice.

Where revascularization strategies were once guided solely by invasive methods such as coronary angiography, pressure wire, IVUS, and OCT, we are now entering an era where non-invasive modalities like CT can inform clinical decision-making. This remarkable evolution is transforming our approach to cardiovascular care. Since 2023, FRIENDS Live has expanded its focus beyond physiology to embrace the combined power of imaging and physiology. In line with this vision, the 2024 meeting was held jointly with the Japanese Society of Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics. Building on this momentum, we are continuing to foster international collaboration by partnering with overseas experts and institutions, aiming to enhance our live demonstrations and academic sessions.

This year’s FRIENDS Live will be held together with the Japan Society of Cardiovascular Radiology, offering a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions among both cardiologists and radiologists—an unprecedented collaborative environment in Japan. This convergence of expertise reflects the tremendous progress achieved in the fusion of imaging and physiology over the past decade. We warmly invite you to join us in Iwate this winter to share in the latest advancements and engage in spirited, interdisciplinary discussions. I am confident that FRIENDS Live 2026 will be a valuable and inspiring experience for all participants.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Hitoshi Matsuo, MD
President, FRIENDS Live 2026
Gifu Heart Center