[Assessment of fractional coronary blood flow reserve]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Coronary angiography has limitations in assessing the functional significance of atherosclerotic lesions.
• Supplementary methods are crucial for interventional cardiologists to determine revascularization necessity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the theoretical aspects of fractional flow reserve (FFR) estimation.
• To describe the methodology for measuring FFR.
• To discuss pharmacological agents used to achieve maximal hyperemia for accurate FFR assessment.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical principles of FFR.
• Description of FFR measurement techniques.
• Discussion of pharmacologic agents for hyperemia induction.

Main Results:

• FFR provides functional significance of coronary lesions beyond anatomical visualization.
• Maximal hyperemia is essential for accurate FFR interpretation.
• Various imaging modalities and FFR can complement coronary angiography.

Conclusions:

• Fractional flow reserve is a valuable tool for guiding revascularization decisions in coronary artery disease.
• Understanding FFR principles and measurement techniques is vital for interventional cardiologists.
• Pharmacological management to achieve maximal hyperemia is a key component of FFR assessment.