[Invasive functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis using fractional flow reserve]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Physiology

Background:

• Myocardial ischemia critically impacts coronary artery disease (CAD) patient prognosis.
• Accurate diagnosis of ischemia is vital for effective CAD management.
• Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a key diagnostic tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of FFR's role in CAD.
• To discuss FFR's application in diagnosis and management.
• To explore FFR controversies and future directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of FFR principles and coronary physiology.
• Description of procedural aspects in the catheterization lab.
• Analysis of landmark clinical trials and FFR applications.

Main Results:

• FFR differentiates significant stenosis causing ischemia.
• Evidence supports FFR use across various clinical settings.
• Ongoing improvements aim to broaden FFR utilization.

Conclusions:

• FFR is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in CAD.
• Understanding FFR physiology and application is essential for interventional cardiologists.
• Further advancements will enhance the accessibility and impact of FFR.