Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Standardized Rat Coronary Ring Preparation and Real-Time Recording of Dynamic Tension Changes Along Vessel Diameter
07:53

Standardized Rat Coronary Ring Preparation and Real-Time Recording of Dynamic Tension Changes Along Vessel Diameter

Published on: June 16, 2022

Coronary pressure never lies

Jacques J Koolen1, Nico H J Pijls

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, 5602 ZA, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions : Official Journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions
|July 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is the gold standard for assessing coronary stenosis significance. This report discusses rare cases where FFR results initially seem incorrect but are explained by underlying physiology.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is the invasive gold standard for evaluating coronary artery stenosis.
  • It determines hemodynamic significance and guides percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
  • FFR accuracy in identifying ischemia-causing lesions is high, with rare false positives/negatives.

Observation:

  • This case report details two instances where initial FFR measurements appeared contradictory to clinical intuition.
  • These discrepancies arose in specific clinical or angiographic scenarios.
  • The interventionalist's initial assessment was challenged by the FFR data.

Findings:

  • Further investigation revealed clear physiological explanations for the seemingly discordant FFR values.
  • Apparent false positive or negative FFR results were elucidated through deeper analysis.
  • FFR, when properly interpreted, often clarifies complex hemodynamic situations.

Implications:

  • Understanding these physiological nuances is crucial for accurate FFR interpretation.
  • FFR can 'lift the veil' on complex coronary physiology, preventing inappropriate interventions.
  • This highlights the importance of integrating FFR data with clinical judgment and physiological understanding.

More Related Videos

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease06:16

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease

Published on: August 9, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...