[Functional assessment of coronary stenosis by fractional flow reserve]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Physiology

Background:

• Coronary artery stenosis requires objective ischemia evidence for revascularization.
• Coronary angiography visualizes arteries but has limited functional significance assessment.
• Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is crucial for evaluating stenosis severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the physiological principles of coronary blood flow.
• To explain the methodology and application of FFR.
• To summarize clinical trial evidence supporting FFR use.

Main Methods:

• Review of coronary physiology concepts.
• Explanation of FFR measurement techniques.
• Synthesis of data from pivotal clinical trials.

Main Results:

• FFR is the gold standard for assessing the physiologic significance of coronary lesions.
• FFR provides objective evidence to guide revascularization decisions.
• Key clinical trials demonstrate the value of FFR in patient management.

Conclusions:

• FFR is essential for accurate stenosis assessment in the cath lab.
• Objective ischemia assessment using FFR improves clinical outcomes.
• Evidence supports routine FFR utilization for guiding coronary interventions.