Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a physiological index used to assess the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

A pressure-based measurement that determines the functional significance of a coronary stenosis, Calculated as the ratio of maximal blood flow in a stenotic artery to normal maximal flow.

Who Needs?

  • Patients with intermediate coronary stenosis (50-70% narrowing)
  • Can be used for stenosis up to 90% in some cases
  • Not typically needed for stenosis <30% or >70%

Key features:

  • Performed during cardiac catheterization
  • Uses a pressure wire to measure pressure differences across a stenosis
  • Requires inducing maximal hyperemia, usually with adenosine

Procedure details:

  • Pressure wire is advanced distal to the stenosis
  • Maximal hyperemia is induced
  • Pressures are measured proximal and distal to the stenosis
  • FFR is calculated as the ratio of distal to proximal pressure

Advantages:

  • More accurate than angiography alone in assessing functional significance
  • Can reduce unnecessary interventions
  • Improves clinical outcomes when used to guide treatment
  • Cost-effective

Interpretation:

  • Normal FFR: 0.94-1.0
  • FFR ≥0.80: Generally does not require intervention
  • FFR 0.75-0.80: “Grey zone”, may consider intervention
  • FFR <0.75: Typically requires intervention (e.g., angioplasty and stenting)

Limitations:

  • Requires pharmacological induction of hyperemia
  • May be affected by microvascular dysfunction
  • Potential for false normal values in certain conditions

Clinical impact:

  • Recommended in guidelines for assessing intermediate lesions (Class I recommendation)
  • Associated with lower rates of adverse events compared to angiography-guided PCI
  • Can lead to changes in treatment strategy in a significant proportion of cases

What PATIENTS SAYS !!

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