Microbubble Contrast Agent Use During Invasive Coronary Microvascular Assessment

Coronary microvascular function assessment with invasive Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) has challenges related to Doppler signal quality, limiting clinical adoption. We investigated whether the use of ultrasound microbubble contrast agents can improve coronary flow signals and reduce measurement variability during invasive CFR measurement.

Participants underwent assessment of coronary flow velocity using a Doppler sensor-tipped coronary wire. Baseline signal quality was determined by expert clinicians, and signals were categorized into good or poor quality. Doppler quality was then assessed at predetermined time periods after administration of SonoVue (Bracco): baseline, first pass, and subsequent discrete 20-second time periods, following this up to 260 seconds after first pass. For each time period, several parameters were assessed: signal-to-noise ratio, Doppler envelope quality (analyzed by a previously validated artificial intelligence-based score), and the coefficient of variation of tracked flow velocity.

Fifteen cases were included. In the group with poor quality baseline Doppler signal (N = 10), signal-to-noise ratio, Doppler envelope quality score, and coefficient of variation significantly improved with microbubble contrast (signal-to-noise ratio: P < .05 for all periods after first pass; Doppler envelope quality score: P < .05 for all periods; coefficient of variation: P < .05 for all periods). In the group with a good quality baseline Doppler signal (N = 5), there were no changes in these parameters. Microbubble administration did not cause significant coronary hyperemia (P = .875 when compared to baseline).

Ultrasound microbubble contrast agents can enhance Doppler signal quality during invasive CFR measurements. These agents could be used to improve the reliability of flow measurements in clinical practice and facilitate the adoption of coronary microvascular assessment.