fractional flow reserve
Also written as: FFR — Fractional Flow Reserve
A hemodynamic measurement used to assess the functional significance of coronary artery stenosis during catheterization procedures.
Full Definition
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a physiologic measurement that compares the maximum achievable blood flow in a stenotic coronary artery to the theoretical maximum flow in the same artery if it were completely normal. It is measured during cardiac catheterization using a pressure wire and provides a functional assessment of coronary stenosis severity. FFR values below 0.80 are generally considered hemodynamically significant and may warrant revascularization. This measurement helps guide clinical decision-making in intermediate coronary lesions where visual assessment alone may be inadequate.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase 'reserve' when spelling out the full term.
In Context
- "The fractional flow reserve measurement of 0.75 supported the decision to proceed with percutaneous coronary intervention." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "FFR-guided revascularization has been shown to improve clinical outcomes compared to angiography-guided procedures." — Clinical research manuscript