Coronary Physiology as an important adjunct to coronary intervention

The direct physiologic influence of a coronary stenosis, prior to an intervention for either de novo or restenotic lesions, can be easily and safely determined with sensor-tipped angioplasty guidewires, employing poststenotic absolute coronary flow velocity reserve (CVR), the relative CVR and the pressure-derived fractional flow reserve. This information supports decisions regarding planned interventions on restenotic or de novo lesions of intermediate angiographic severity. Following percutaneous interventions, these measurements provide prognostic information that may not only direct the need for repeat balloon dilatation, stent implantation or high-pressure expansion, but also predict long-term clinical outcome.