Fractional Flow Reserve vs. Intravascular Ultrasound to Guide Revascularization Decisions

FFR assessment and intravascular ultrasound measurement of minimum lumen area showed only a modest correlation for intermediate-size lesions.

Several recent investigations have demonstrated the usefulness of fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment of intermediate-size coronary lesions before percutaneous coronary intervention (e.g., JW Cardiol Aug 28 2012). However, few studies have compared FFR with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurement of minimum lumen area (MLA). In this multicenter prospective registry, researchers used both modalities to assess 367 coronary lesions that had angiographic evidence of 40% to 80% stenosis.

IVUS-measured MLA and FFR-assessed lesions showed only a modest correlation, slightly stronger in vessels >3.5 mm in diameter (r=0.34) than in those 2.5 to 3.0 mm in diameter (r=0.22). For lesions with FFR <0.80, the mean MLA was 4.9 mm²; the best discri…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI