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Coronary thermodilution to assess flow reserve: validation in humans
Nico H J Pijls1, Bernard De Bruyne, Leif Smith
1Department of Cardiology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands. nico.pijls@inter.nl.net
Circulation
|May 30, 2002
Summary
Simultaneous measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) using a single pressure-temperature sensor guide wire is feasible. This method simplifies assessing heart microvascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Physiology
Background:
- Assessing microvascular disease in the heart requires measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR).
- Current methods may not allow for simultaneous FFR and CFR measurements.
- A novel approach using a single sensor-tipped guide wire is being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of simultaneously measuring FFR and CFR using a single pressure-temperature sensor guide wire.
- To compare CFR measured by thermodilution (CFR(thermo)) with CFR measured by Doppler (CFR(Doppl)).
Main Methods:
- A pressure-temperature sensor-tipped guide wire and a Doppler guide wire were used in 103 coronary arteries across 50 patients.
- Coronary thermodilution curves were obtained using saline injection at baseline and hyperemia.
- FFR was measured by coronary pressure, and CFR(thermo) was calculated from transit times; CFR(Doppl) was calculated from velocities.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous FFR and CFR measurements were feasible in 87% of arteries for CFR(thermo) and 91% for CFR(Doppl).
- CFR(thermo) showed good correlation with CFR(Doppl) (r=0.80, P<0.001).
- Significant individual differences (>20%) were observed in 25% of arteries between the two CFR measurements.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous FFR and CFR measurement in humans using a single guide wire is feasible and practical.
- This technique simplifies the assessment of coronary microvascular disease.
- The combined measurement facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of cardiac hemodynamics.
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